Pattaya Mail - FRIDAY JANUARY 11 - JANUARY 17, 2019 (Vol. XXVII No. 2)

26th Year

Established in 1993

VOL.XXVII No. 2

Pattaya’s First English Language Newspaper

30 BAHT

FRIDAY JANUARY 11 - JANUARY 17, 2019

Pabuk damages homes, property & fishing boats

The eye of Tropical Storm Pabuk may have hit 900 kilometers away, but the Eastern Seaboard still felt its effects in the form of a storm surge that damaged homes, property and boats.

Patcharapol Panrak

Berlin Wall remnants placed at German Embassy, Bangkok Story on page 19

The eye of Tropical Storm Pabuk may have hit 900 kilometers away, but its effects still were felt along the Eastern Seaboard as boats, beaches

and low lying property were damaged by high tides and storm surge Friday and Saturday last week.

Waves as big as four meters and a storm-inflated high tide sent water flowing into shoreline

homes, damaging at least 20 with wooden floors in Sattahip.

Ten small fishing boats moored off the coast in Sattahip also sunk. Fishermen tried to salvage what equipment they could Jan. 5.

District Chief Anucha Intasorn said there were no reported injuries from the storm impact, but warned residents to remain cautious until the weather system passed.

(See related story on page 3.)

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Navy deploys 3rd ship to storm-hit South

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Naklua bridge overhaul wraps

Deputy Mayor Banlue Kullavanijaya and deputies toured the refurbished Naklua long bridge, which now sports vibrant colors and new traffic lanes.

Jetsada Homklin The HTMS Chakri Naruebet has joined two ships already dispatched to the South to help recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Pabuk.

Patcharapol Panrak Thailand’s aircraft carrier the HTMS Chakri Naruebet has joined two ships already dispatched to the South to help recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Pabuk.

The carrier, which no longer has any operational planes, was to be used as a platform and base for disaster relief in seven hard-hit southern provinces in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. It was ready to steam out of

Sattahip Naval Base Jan. 5.

While it can’t support jet planes, the ship will be a deck for four helicopters. Other users aboard include divers, disasterassessment teams, search and rescue squads, medical units and public relations officers.

Renovation of the Naklua “long bridge” was completed two days before the annual Eat & Walk market, showcasing

further beautification of Pattaya’s bedroom community.

Deputy Mayor Banlue Kullavanijaya and deputies toured the refurbished landmark Jan. 3, which now

sports vibrant colors and new traffic lanes.

The spruced-up landscaping and rebuilt bridge will host the “walking street” market weekends through Feb. 24.

Nong Plalai mayor reports progress on development projects

Khao Talo pump station construction underway Nong Plalai so far has spent less than half the money budgeted for infrastructure and economic-development projects for the fiscal year.

Warapun Jaikusol Nong Plalai has spent about half the money budgeted for infrastructure and economicdevelopment projects, Mayor Pinyo Homlkin said.

Pinyo briefed the sub-district council on statistics for the many projects Jan. 2.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Pattana Boonsawat, engineers, contractors from Proper Solution Co. and the head of the Marbpradu Community visit the new Khao Talo Pump Station.

Installation of six water pumps along the railwayparallel road is underway with hopes it will relieve flooding problems by the time rainy season hits.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Pattana Boonsawat, engineers, contractors from Proper Solution Co. and the

head of the Marbpradu Community visited the new Khao Talo Pump Station Jan. 4.

Proper Solutions and Joint Venture Co. were hired to build the station to combat flooding in East Pattaya after canal dredging, pipe cleaning and landscaping failed to solve the problem.

The pumps can move 0.75 cu. meters of water per second to the Huay Yai Pump Station, which in turn funnels the water into drainage canals leading to the sea.

The project is only 5 percent finished and no estimate was given when it would be operational. (PCPR)

He said 42 management and public policy projects were budgeted for 9.4 million baht with 1.7 million spent.

Thirty-one infrastructure upgrades were approved for 25.4 million baht of which 8.9 million baht was spent.

Six economic projects worth 230,000 baht were approved

with 27,000 baht spent.

There also were 28 social projects approved for 12.5 million baht but Pinyo did not disclose whether any of the money was spent.

Six environmental projects with approved budgets of 11.7 million baht saw 10.9 million baht of that spent.

Naklua fishermen net tide of trash after Pabuk Warapun Jaikusol Pattaya may have been spared the wrath of Pabuk, but its beaches became the tropical storm’s dumping ground.

Waves of garbage washed up on shorelines from Jomtien

to Bali Hai Pier to Naklua as five-meter swells across the Gulf of Thailand churned up the ring of plastic encircling Thailand.

Boonma Korsem, chairman of the Naklua artisanal fisherman’s group, led members in collecting garbage floating in the bay Jan. 6.

Storm surge also played a role in the pollution, as it reached

inland 50 meters during high tide in Pattaya. The flooding swept local garbage into the sea, adding to what was already washing ashore from Pabuk.

The fishermen arranged for Pattaya garbage collectors to haul away the rubbish they brought ashore. Boonma said they weren’t able to get all the trash, it was better than doing nothing.

Waves of garbage washed up on shorelines from Jomtien to Bali Hai Pier to Naklua as five-meter swells across the Gulf of Thailand churned up the ring of plastic encircling Thailand.

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Tropical storm crosses south Thailand without major damage Bangkok (AP) - Ferry services and airports reopened in southern Thailand on Saturday as a storm moved west into the Andaman Sea after causing disruption and leaving at least one person dead.

Tropical Storm Pabuk barreled across the Gulf of Thailand on Friday, Jan. 4, but spared world famous beach resorts major damage.

The Meteorological Department said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 75 kph (47 mph) when it hit land shortly after noon.

It continued to warn of strong winds and waves 3-5 meters (10 to 16 feet) high in the Gulf of Thailand and 2-3 meters (6 to 10 feet) in the Andaman Sea. It advised all ships to stay ashore through

Saturday and warned of possible storm surges on the Gulf coast.

There had been fears that the storm would be the worst to hit Thailand since 1989, when Typhoon Gay left more than 400 people dead. A tropical storm in 1962 killed more than 900 people in the south.

The storm damaged houses, knocked down power lines

Floodwaters rise over a coastal road as Tropical Storm Pabuk strikes southern Thailand last weekend. (AP Photo/Sumeth Panpetch)

A row of toppled power lines from Tropical Storm Pabuk block a main highway, Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Pak Phanang, in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand. (AP Photo/Sumeth Panpetch)

and triggered flash floods in several east coast provinces.

On the island of Koh Samui, where the suspension of air and ferry services had trapped many visitors, lines were long Saturday for rides back to the mainland.

The area’s large fishing industry had to stand down, with ships ordered to stay in ports and small boats hauled ashore to keep them from being swept away. One fisherman died when his

boat, caught at sea, capsized Friday. Another member of its six-man crew was missing.

The authorities prepared for the storm by evacuating almost 29,000 people in provinces most at risk, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said. In the hardest-hit province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, about 800 kilometers (480 miles) south of Bangkok, 32 electric poles were felled, transformers exploded and communications

lines were down in some districts, according to the department.

Stormy weather continued Saturday, but its effects on the Andaman coast and the tourist hub of Phuket appeared marginal.

The storm lost strength as it crossed land, with the Thai Meteorological Department saying it packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers (34 miles) per hour as it moved west-northwest at a speed of 10 kph (6 mph).

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VOL. XXVII No. 2

Illegal Chinese guide falsely claims theft of 754,000 baht Boonlua Chatree An illegal Chinese tour guide was charged with filing a false police report after claiming a designer bag containing 754,000 baht was stolen from him.

Jihong Mao, 26, was arrested Jan. 4 a day after he claimed a Chinese couple took his Gucci bag containing US$20,000, 10,000 yuan and 70,000 baht.

The story he told police was that, when arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Dec. 31 he met and befriended the pair of compatriots and invited them to join him at his Pattaya hotel, despite just

having met them.

He said the three went to Pattaya Beach, with the cash-stuffed handbag, on Jan. 2. While Jihong went in the water, he left the bag with his new friends, but forgot to reclaim it before they went back to the hotel.

Jihong said he didn’t remember the couple had his 754,000 baht until the next day and, when he went to their room, they had already left, taking his bag and his passport.

Skeptical police investigated and found the couple – Lian Yaxi, 27, and Li Yiying, 25 – at the Mind Premier Suites Hotel on Central Road Soi 12. They had no bag and

told a very different story.

The couple had hired Jihong as a tour guide while still in China and they traveled together. However, once they arrived in Pattaya, the illegal guide jacked up the price of the tour by 1,000 percent and they got angry and checked out.

Lian and Li admitted taking Jihong’s passport, but only so they could report him to police. There was never a bag to be stolen and Jihong was lying, they said.

Under interrogation, Jihong admitted he lied, but only to get the attention of police so he could get his passport back. He did, but is now facing multiple charges.

Alleged affair gets Pattaya fruit seller bottled

Jihong Mao was arrested and charged with filing a false police report.

Wrong-way driver injures two in E. Pattaya wreck

Boonlua Chatree Pattaya police are hunting for a man who attacked a fruit vendor for supposedly having an affair with his wife.

Wasan Kasuwan, 47, ran into Pattaya Police Station with a swollen and bloody face Jan. 3.

He told officers he had stopped his fruit cart on Beach Road outside a 7Eleven near Soi 7 when a younger man approached him and accused him of consorting with his wife.

The fruit seller denied any affair, but the angry suspect

Pattaya police are hunting a man who attacked fruit vendor Wasan Kasuwan for supposedly having an affair with his wife.

hit him in the face with a bottle and in the head with a wooden stick. The fruit man

pulled his carving knife and the attacker ran away.

Police are investigating.

Frenchman 1st overstay of 2019 Boonlua Chatree A French man became the first overstay arrest of the year when Immigration Police captured him in front of his South Pattaya home.

Guillaume Lucien Shetta Wagner, 29, had started acting nervously when he spotted patrol police Jan. 3. The visa in his passport was found to have expired 200 days ago.

Wagner told police he had overstayed because his friend told him he could stay as long as he liked and then just pay the 20,000-baht fine

Guillaume Lucien Shetta Wagner became the first overstay arrest of the year when Immigration Police captured him in front of his South Pattaya home.

at the airport when he left.

He was informed that overstaying is a criminal offense

and he will now be deported and banned from the kingdom for five years.

Rescue personnel use jaws-of-life to extricate an unidentified accident victim in Nongprue.

Boonlua Chatree Two people were hurt when a wrong-way driver caused a wreck outside Nongprue Temple.

Chainarong Boonsungnern, 37, was taken to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital

before police arrived at the scene of the Jan. 4 collision between his Honda Accord and a Toyota Vios driven by an unidentified man.

The Vios driver suffered a head wound and had to be pried from the truck. He was transported to Banglamung

Hospital for treatment.

Witnesses said the Vios driver was headed east from Sukhumvit Road, but driving on the wrong side of the road.

Chainarong turned into the temple to avoid a head-on collision, but the Vios slammed into the side of his car.

US soldier charged in wife’s killing flees to Thailand Indianapolis (AP) - A 21year-old U.S. soldier is accused of flying to Indianapolis from Colorado to kill his estranged wife, then dumping her body in a trash bin and fleeing to Thailand.

Peter Lian was charged with murder Wednesday in the death of Khuang Par, whose body was discovered in a suitcase in an Indianapolis dumpster on Dec. 23.

Par,27,waslivingwithLiannear Fort Carson in Colorado Springs but had returned to family in Indianapolis after she accused her husband of assaulting her on Nov. 30, Indianapolis police Det. Christopher Craighill said in a court filing.

Lian traveled to Indianapolis three weeks later, on Dec. 22. Flight records show he flew to Bangkok two days later. He didn’t return to Fort Carson and is considered by the U.S. Army to be a deserter, Craighill said. His current

location is unknown.

On Dec. 3, Par obtained a court order to keep Lian away from her. He had been arrested a few days earlier by Colorado Springs police and charged with assault.

“Ms. Par told the Colorado police officers investigating this incident that she and (Lian) were arguing about her going back to Indiana. A physical altercation ensued and Peter began to choke her with one hand around the neck, then both hands around her neck,” Craighill said.

“Lian told officers he released pressure from around Par’s neck and before she could walk out of the door, he yelled, ‘I’m going to kill you,’ in her native language Burmese,” Craighill said.

Lian, who’s been in the Army for seven months, has the rank of specialist, according to Fort Carson.

This undated photo provided by the Indianapolis Police Department shows Peter Van Bawi Lian. Authorities say the 21-yearold soldier who flew from Colorado to Indiana and allegedly killed his wife, then fled to Thailand, is now wanted for military desertion.

(Indianapolis Police Department via AP)

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Navy sends 2 ships to storm-hit South

Chonburi marks King Taksin Day

The Royal Thai Navy mobilized in anticipation of tropical storm Pabuk unleashing its wrath on Thailand’s South.

Patcharapol Panrak The Royal Thai Navy mobilized in anticipation of tropical storm Pabuk unleashing its wrath on Thailand’s South.

The HTMS Angthong and

HTMS Makutrachakuman were dispatched Jan. 3 from the Sattahip Naval Base to steam southward to help anticipated disaster victims from the storm that hit 10 southern provinces Jan. 4.

Two aircraft from the Naval Special Warfare Command also were deployed along with medical units, engineers and heavy equipment under the command of Rear Adm. Chawin Weingwised.

Banglamung honors King Taksin Warunya Jaikusol Banglamung District celebrated the legendary King Taksin on the 250th anniversary of his ousting of Burmese invaders from Ayutthaya.

Deputy District Chief Kritapob Penjan led the annual Dec. 28 commemoration for King Taksin the Great Day with government workers, soldiers, teachers, students and the public at public park bearing the monarch’s name.

Participants placed flowers at the monument to the revered king and the governor handed out scholarships to students in 19 schools.

Banglamung students perform a Muay Thai pre-bout dance to pay homage to the legendary King Taksin on the 250th anniversary of his ousting of Burmese invaders from Ayutthaya.

Chonburi Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai handed out scholarships to students in 19 schools during the annual Dec. 28 commemoration for King Taksin the Great.

Chonburi celebrated 18th century legend King Taksin 250 years after he led the campaign to expel Burmese invaders.

Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai led the annual Dec. 28 commemoration for King Taksin the Great with government workers, soldiers, teachers, students and the public at the provincial hall.

Participants placed flowers at the monument to the revered king and the governor handed out scholarships to students in 19 schools.

Preschool and primary school students were granted 110 stipends worth 1,000 baht

each while 49 high schoolers received 1,500 baht each.

Three vocational school students received 2,000 baht each while 13 advanced vocational and university students received 3,000 baht each. One lucky law students received a 25,000-baht scholarship.

Somdet Phrachao Taksin Maharaj was born April 17, 1734 and became the only king of the Thonburi Kingdom, taking the throne Dec. 28, 1768 and reigning until his death – and the start of the current Chakri Dynasty in 1782. He is greatly revered

by Thais for leadership in liberating Siam from Burmese

occupation after the second fall of capital Ayutthaya in 1767, and the subsequent unification of Siam after it fell under various warlords.

He established the city of Thonburi, across the Chao Phraya River from the current Bangkok, as the new capital, as Ayutthaya has been almost completely destroyed by invaders.

Upon coronation at age 34, he assumed the official name of Boromraja IV, but is known in Thai history as King Taksin, a combination of his popular name, Phya Tak, and his first name, Sin, or the King of Thonburi. (CPRD)

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Pattaya boosts marketing Pattaya lays down law for to Chinese tourists Naklua Walk & Eat vendors

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome met with Alipay executives and Pramote Chaiulan, vice president of Smart City to evaluate tourist attractions of interest to Chinese visitors.

Pattaya has contracted with Alipay Business Group to lure Chinese tourists back to Pattaya.

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome welcomed Alipay executives and Pramote Chaiulan, vice president of Smart City to evaluate tourist attractions of interest to Chinese visitors.

The first event on the calendar will be the city’s Songkran celebration in April.

The number of Chinese tourists has plummeted since a July boat sinking that killed 54 mainlanders. Pattaya’s numbers were down 20 percent last year. (PCPR)

Naklua Market hums for New Year’s Warunya Jaikusol It was a very happy New Year’s for Naklua Market vendors, as people thronged to stalls to buy food and drink for the countdown.

Roads leading to Lan Po Public Park were jammed early on Dec. 31 as people prepared for the fireworks and music at the official Nongprue event.

Banglamung Police were out in force keeping traffic flowing and parking scofflaws at bay.

The hottest menu item, as usual, was seafood even though prices jumped amid holiday price gouging and shorter supplies due to fishing boats taking the holiday off.

It was a very happy New Year’s for Naklua Market vendors, as people thronged to stalls to buy food and drink for the countdown.

Seller Nattakorn Meeboonchuy said business had been strong since Dec. 28, with many buying seafood as gifts before heading off for

the provinces. She expected to run out of stock by Jan. 1.

The Jae Lod grill service also said it had been busy since Christmas.

Naklua Eat & Walk market Vendors were shown how to use fire extinguishers, perform basic first aid and CPR, and how to respond in cases of emergency.

Jetsada Homklin Pattaya laid down the law for more than 200 vendors at the Naklua Eat & Walk market, who also learned the basics of emergency response two days before the “walking street” opened Jan. 5.

Tourism Promotion Director Ornwara Korapin explained the rules and regulations to the vendors Jan. 3. The

sellers subsequently attended an emergency-response training session.

The tenth iteration of the market runs weekends through Feb. 24 from 3:3010 p.m. Traffic is closed from the Naklua police booth to the long bridge from 3-10:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The 207 vendors are allowed to set up a half-hour

before the event and must clean their booths and sales area by 10 p.m. They can only park at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation while the public can park in numerous places.

At the training, the vendors were shown how to use fire extinguishers, perform basic first aid and CPR and how to respond in cases of emergency.

Jomtien seating Dear Editor; Whilst the seafront renovation of Jomtien Beach is welcome, what has happened to the public seating? There were very few seats anyway, but what few were there

have now been removed!

From Dongtan Beach to Na Jomtien, there are maybe 3 seats at the most. Considering Jomtien attracts a lot of older tourists, does not the City Council think they might

want to sit down? I have heard so many tourists commenting on this, and a lot of them are not happy.

Yours in hope and anticipation.

Weary Farang from UK.

Pabuk halts Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry Can’t see the wood for the trees?

While Tropical Storm Pabuk never reached Pattaya, it did ground the daily ferry service to Hua Hin.

Boonlua Chatree While Tropical Storm Pabuk never reached Pattaya, it did ground the daily ferry service to Hua Hin.

Although Hua Hin also was spared any impact from the first tropical storm to hit Thailand in 30 years, the storm created large swells across the entire Gulf of

Thailand and caused damaging storm surge as far away as Koh Chang.

Service resumed once the storm passed early this week.

Editor; 470 road deaths over Xmas/ New Year. That’s 470 households that are not having a “Happy New Year” this year.

The road deaths are up by 10 percent, a growth indicator nobody wants to look at.

The “official” response pre-celebrations sounded fine on paper. The number of police check points was increased, and the threat of confiscation of vehicles belonging to drivers over the proscribed alcohol limit was to be imposed. That would have to drive down the numbers. But it didn’t, they went up by 10 percent.

Perhaps the officials were suggesting penalties for the wrong end of the statistical model? Just suppose it Write to the Editor:

E-mail: mailbag@pattayamail.com

wasn’t your ordinary motorist who was being killed, but another group altogether?

It does not need rocket science to collect the data on road deaths. 80 percent of the death toll is from those riding on motorcycles. As a comparison, only 7 percent of the death toll can be attributed those traveling in pick-ups.

Another useful statistic – alcohol was involved in 50 percent of the fatalities.

So now we have a picture of what the average victim looks like – motorcycle riders who have been drinking, and who incidentally are not wearing crash helmets.

Surely the group to attack first for prevention is then the motorcycle riders? Easily identified and wearing a

helmet or otherwise is just as easily ascertained.

In this way it would be possible to cut the road toll in half. No new legislation is needed, the police still remain as the responsible body to apply the law (and the fines).

By changing the focus of the road toll prevention from cars and pick-ups in the city to motorcycle riders under the influence and not wearing helmets would bring about an immediate change, but will the populace be ready to accept change in this election year?

In the meantime, don’t become another statistic yourself.

Dr. Iain Corness

Note: Letters printed herein in no way reflect the opinions of the editors or writers for Pattaya Mail, but are unsolicited letters from our readers, expressing their own opinions. No anonymous letters or those without genuine addresses are printed, and, whilst we do not object to the use of a nom de plume, preference will be given to those signed.

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Privacy and other matters with Facebook’s video-call gadget Barbara Ortutay New York (AP) - It’s rare that a new gadget these days serves a true need. Rather, it creates a want.

You certainly don’t need the Facebook Portal, whose primary purpose is to let you make the types of video calls you can already make on Facebook’s Messenger app.

And given the company’s poor record on user privacy, do you even want it? Or a similar device from Amazon or Google?

The Portal is part of a new category of gadgets best described as screens for making video calls, listening to music and responding to voice commands for tasks you can also do on your phone. Unlike tablets, these microphone- and cameraequipped screens are meant to rest at a fixed location in your living room, kitchen or, gasp, your bedroom.

If you are a tech trailblazer willing to try new things and have no qualms on privacy - here are some things to consider.

Why have one Facebook’s $349 Portal Plus is a great device for making video calls using Messenger. It’s also gigantic - 15.6 inches, measured diagonally, or roughly the size

of the window of many microwave ovens. There’s also a smaller sibling, simply called the Portal, at $199.

Both models are designed to do one thing and one thing well - let you chat with other people on their own Portal or through the regular Messenger app. Yes, the Portal can do a few things more, such as tap Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, but these features feel tacked on, much like trying to cook breakfast sausages with a toaster created just to cook hot dogs.

Unless you are in a longdistance relationship and want to spend hours each evening gazing into your sweetheart’s eye (while also getting dinner and laundry done), you can certainly live without one, just as you can live without a hot dog cooker.

That’s especially true if you are concerned about the number of screens in your home, especially screens that could be watching you.

Google’s Home Hub ($129) and Amazon’s Echo Show ($230) can do a lot more, but their video-calling capabilities aren’t as good as the Portal’s. With Home Hub, for instance, you can see the person calling you, but the device itself has no camera for two-way videos.

If video calling is your thing,

This file image provided by Facebook shows the company’s product called Portal. (Facebook via AP)

you’re better off with a Portal.

The device’s camera can recognize people in a room and follow them as they move around. So you can literally pace up and down while you argue with your mother.

(Facebook says it doesn’t use facial-recognition technology to identify individuals.)

Portal also has a cute “story time” feature that adds face masks and other animation while you to kids on the other side of the call.

The Google and Amazon devices don’t do either.

Siloed Systems All three devices allow you to add multiple users, so different people in your household can call their circle of friends. But you’re locked into that company’s messaging system.

Try explaining to your 87year-old grandfather why he can’t FaceTime you on the Portal or Skype on the Home Hub. Hell will freeze over before you can get him to sign up for Facebook just to chat with his great-grandchildren. And you haven’t even mentioned the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal yet.

The good news is you can make calls from these devices to smartphones, though in the Portal’s case, you need the device to tell the animated stories. Traveling parents likely won’t be lugging one to read to their kids at home.

As for compatibility, Facebook’s Messenger has more than 1 billion users, and many of your friends are likely already on it, at least in the United States. But Portal doesn’t work with Facebook’s

WhatsApp, which is popular overseas. Setting up the device is relatively simple.

The Home Hub works with Google’s Duo messaging service, so friends and relatives will have to at least install the Duo app on their phones. It’s also difficult to set up. After much cursing and online searches for the right settings, I still get error messages.

Google press representatives didn’t immediately respond to help requests.

On the Echo Show, the recipient of your call needs to have the Alexa app, if not an Echo device with a screen.

You need to set it up on a phone first by giving Alexa access to your contacts list and making sure this person is on it. You can also call others on Skype after connecting your Skype account.

Privacy Matters Clearly a lot of thought went into making the Portal optimal for connecting with friends and family. It’s just a shame that it comes in a year full of privacy scandals for the company.

True, Google has had its share of privacy issues this year, including an Associated Press report that it tracks people’s location even when they tell it not to. But with Facebook, it’s something new every few weeks, culminating with revelations this

week from The New York Times that Facebook shared user data with more than 150 other companies without people’s explicit permission.

While it’s possible to use Messenger on the phone without having a Facebook account, Portal still requires one. Facebook says it’s to enable other features, such as displaying Facebook photos on your Portal. But these features aren’t essential to video calling - just essential to fold the Portal experience into Facebook’s massive advertising system.

Facebook says it doesn’t listen to, view, record or store the content of your calls, so if you believe Facebook - and that’s a big if - it’s not going to try to target ads based on whom you talk to or what’s hanging on your walls in the background.

But other information, such as the length and frequency of your calls, is fair game and may be used for advertising purposes - such as ads for video-calling services.

No doubt to address privacy concerns, Facebook has included a plastic cover for the Portal’s camera. You can also turn it off using a button.

But promises and plastic covers aren’t enough when Facebook has shown carelessness with its users’ data over and over.

Named for Roman god of war, Mars isn’t very kind to visitors Marcia Dunn Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP) - Mars has a nasty habit of living up to its mythological name and besting Earth when it comes to accepting visitors.

NASA’s InSight is the latest spacecraft to come calling, with every intent of digging deeper into the planet than anything that’s come before.

“We’ve had a number of successful landings in a row now. But you never know what Mars will throw at you,” said Rob Grover, lead engineer for the landing team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Landing on Mars is always risky, Grover and other experts stress at every opportunity.

The numbers back him up.

Only about 40 percent of all missions to Mars - named after the Roman god of war have succeeded.

“Going to Mars is really, really hard,” NASA’s top science mission official, Thomas Zurbuchen, told reporters earlier this week. “As

This composite image made from a series of June 15, 2018 photos shows a self-portrait of NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover in the Gale Crater. The rover’s arm which held the camera was positioned out of each of the dozens of shots which make up the mosaic. A dust storm has reduced sunlight and visibility at the rover’s location. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP)

humanity, the explorers all over the world, we’re batting about 50 percent - or less.”

The United States is the only country to successfully operate a spacecraft on the Martian surface. InSight represents NASA’s ninth attempt to put a spacecraft on Mars; only one effort failed.

The last one - NASA’s Curiosity rover - is still on the move after six years, with more than 12 miles (20 kilometers) on its odometer. The space agency’s older, smaller Opportunity was roaming around up there until June, when a global dust storm knocked it out of service. Flight controllers haven’t given up hope yet that it will be revived.

Humanity’s nearly 60-year history of trying to get to Mars includes attempts to fly past the red planet for picturetaking without stopping, as

well as the vastly more complicated efforts to put spacecraft into orbit around the red planet and to actually land.

NASA’s Mariner 4 performed the first successfully flyby of the red planet in 1965, sending back 21 photos.

Mariner 9 made it into orbit around Mars and beamed back more than 7,000 photos.

And NASA’s Vikings 1 and 2 not only put spacecraft into orbit around Mars in 1976, but on the surface, too. The twin Vikings were the first successful landers on Mars from planet Earth.

The 1990s weren’t as kind for NASA. A humiliating English-metric conversion screw-up doomed the Mars Observer in 1993. Another

U.S. orbiter later was lost, as well as a lander and two accompanying probes meant to penetrate the surface.

Despite decades of trying, Russia, in particular, has had lousy luck at Mars.

The then Soviet Union was the first to attempt a flyby of Mars, in 1960. The spacecraft never reached Earth orbit. After more launch failures and flight mishaps, the Soviets finally got a pair of spacecraft into Mars orbit in 1971 and got back real data.

But the companion landers were a total bust.

And so it’s gone for the Soviets/Russians through their most recent attempt with China in 2011. The daunting goal was to land a spacecraft on Mars’ moon

This image made available by NASA shows a map of the landing sites for current and past NASA missions to the planet Mars. (NASA via AP)

Phobos to collect and return samples, and to put a second spacecraft into orbit around Mars. Neither made it out of Earth orbit.

Europe also has been snakebitten at Mars, as has Japan.

While the European Space Agency has satellites working around Mars, both of its landing attempts have flopped.

Just two years ago, its lander hit the surface so fast, it dug out a crater. Japan’s sole Mars spacecraft, launched in 1998, didn’t make it into orbit.

India, meanwhile, has been operating a satellite around Mars for four years, its first and only shot at the red planet.

There’s a heavy European presence on NASA’s InSight.

Germany is in charge of the mechanical mole that’s designed to burrow 16 feet (5 meters) into the Martian surface to take underground heat measurements, while France directs the lander’s quakemonitoring seismometer.

On the surface, Curiosity is the only thing operating on Mars. Currently in orbit: U.S. Odyssey since 2001, Europe’s Mars Express (2003), U.S. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (2006), U.S. Maven (2014), India’s Mangalyaan orbiter (2014) and Europe’s Trace Gas Orbiter (2016).

VOL. XXVII No. 2

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 9

Anyone for a Nephrectomy?

You will most likely never meet someone who has had a Nephrectomy. The secret code comes from the word ‘nephros’ (kidney) and ‘ectomy’ (removal).

As we were blessed with two kidneys, removal of one does not spell the end of the world, but it isn’t an easy road to hoe. I speak from personal experience.

My kidney and I decided we were not compatible in November 2018 when I looked in the toilet after the morning motion and a bowlful of bright red blood was staring back at me.

No other symptoms had me confused. If my urinary symptoms were threatening dire things, then I would have expected some pain. But none. I plugged on that day until I was no longer passing any urine at all, but now the discomfort of an over extended bladder was making itself evident. I staggered into our Urology department begging for help to decompress my bladder.

Modern technology is amazing. In less than five minutes a catheter was passed into the bladder, complete with mini-camera and the inside of my bladder lay open for medical scrutiny. Amazing.

This showed us that blood was coming down the right ureter (tube from kidney to bladder) and that the next step would be an X-Ray scan of the kidney, scheduled for the next day. In the meantime a catheter was passed into the bladder and we waited for the scanner.

A scan is a painless procedure (just like an X-Ray) and my urologist Dr. Pornchai, asked me if I wanted to look at the scan, to which I eagerly agreed. After all, I had already decided this would show a calculus (stone) in the kidney itself. Dr. Pornchai sadly turned the screen in my direction. There was no calculus, just a mass of cancerous tissue where the kidney used to be. There was also

involvement of the arteries and veins in the region. This was not going to be a simple procedure.

Much discussion with the specialist surgeons ensued with BPH vascular surgeon Dr. Sujit joined by other colleagues from Bangkok and Dr. Pornchai. There would be precious little elbow room at my surgical table.

The plan was that Dr. Pornchai would remove the kidney while vascular surgeons removed the diseased artery and vein and grafted where necessary. Several hours work. And exacting work too.

On the appointed day I was anxiously admitted to the ward, dressed in surgical clothes and on a gurney, transported to the Operating Theatre.

By the time I was pushed into the theatre proper I was no longer anxious, but just wanted it all to begin. Let’s get the show on the road! I’ve never been good at waiting.

My next experience was a sort of magical mystery tour.

Morphine can take you anywhere, and in my case it did. I was in an ICU with no idea of what I was doing there. I had no real sense of even where I was, and why! For a while I was in the UK, and the next, Northern Thailand.

Angels in white hovered around which seemed to have a calmative effect to counteract latent panic, which unfortunately did break through on several occasions (I am told).

I have recollections of calling out for somebody, anybody, to tell me where I was as I thought I was back in Australia.

My big son, the doctor who practices in Australia, became a kind of life line to reality. In retrospect I’m sure I must have been a right proper pain in the A for him.

From there it was assistance to get out of bed and help with the agonizing trip to the toilet that was the most pressing need.

(I have never been able to pee in a bottle while lying down.)

The pee shuffle is so important as it is necessary for the Urologists to ensure that the remaining kidney is doing its job, and volume of urine passed is the best measurement. By the way, it’s not easy standing there holding onto the wall with one hand, and the pee bottle with the other and not saturating your feet. So far, so good! Carpet slippers remained dry.

After one week it was time to fly solo and bundling all the grapes, chocolates and other edible goodies together it was off home and walking around the walls to get to the toilet after either of the children helped me up from my sofa, a task with 40 odd stitches running north to south not being easy, nor pain free. However, I can now get out of the chair unaided. Another giant step for mankind.

At the time of writing this, it is now three weeks postoperation. I can drive my car (slowly) and even toast some bread while standing in the kitchen. All very mundane, but all part of the rehabilitation.

Life actually revolves around the abdominal scar. Everything you do is connected to your belly button. The pink one button is far more important than you imagine.

No matter what you do, the belly muscles are needed to stabilize the body and contract. Not fun.

And so I approached 2019, one kidney short but high in hopes. I am walking, albeit slowly. I am watching my diet to restrict salt (note: chips without salt are not worth eating), my racing car sits under a cover getting ready for me to get behind the wheel and I get ready for the fifth pee of the day and it is only 10 a.m.

I thank all my friends and those who have helped spur me on. You have been appreciated more than I could tell you.

US urges doctors to write more Rx for overdose antidote In April, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams issued the office’s first national public health advisory in 13 years, calling on more Americans to start carrying naloxone and urging more federal money to be dedicated to broadening access.

Most states allow people to get naloxone from a pharmacy or community program under a statewide prescription and some states require doctors to also prescribe naloxone to patients on high doses of opioids.

The FDA is working toward

Carla K. Johnson (AP) - The U.S. government told doctors Wednesday to consider prescribing medications that reverse overdoses to many more patients who take opioid painkillers in a move that could add more than $1 billion in health care costs.

Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir, a doctor appointed by President Donald Trump, announced the guidance, saying it’s important for doctors to discuss overdose dangers with patients.

Prescribing naloxone such as Narcan along with opioids forces a conversation that will lead to “a more informed decision by the patient,” he said.

The action comes a day after a close vote from a Food and Drug Administration expert panel endorsing the idea of rewriting opioid drug labels to include a naloxone recommendation for many or all patients. An FDA document said such a move could add more than $1 billion in health care costs.

“Even at a billion, it would be an investment that is well worth it,” Giroir said.

More than 47,600 Americans died of opioid overdoses last year, a toll that has been rising for two decades. The street drug

In this Tuesday, July 3, 2018 file photo, a Narcan nasal device which delivers naloxone lies on a counter as a health educator gives instructions on how to administer it in the Brooklyn borough of New York. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, the U.S. government told doctors to consider prescribing the overdose antidote naloxone to many more patients who take opioid painkillers. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

fentanyl is the top killer today, but prescription painkillers are still a problem, contributing to nearly 15,000 overdose deaths last year.

Naloxone comes in a nasal spray, an injection and an automatic injector. The Narcan nasal spray costs about $125 for a two-dose kit, although government programs can get it for less. The automatic injector can cost as much as $4,000 per kit, although its maker recently authorized a cheaper generic version.

Critics said prescribing the antidote to pain patients does not address the growing share of fatal overdoses caused by illicit opioids, and could cause shortages for programs that hand out the kits to street drug users.

It “will have the unintended consequence of derailing efforts to provide naloxone to the very effective community programs we know are successful in saving lives,” said Dr. Raeford E. Brown Jr.,

who heads an expert panel advising the FDA. The new guidance tells doctors to consider prescribing the antidote to patients on high doses of opioids, heavy drinkers, people with sleep apnea and other breathing problems, people taking benzodiazepines such as Xanax and people with addiction or mental health problems.

It expands upon a similar recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

an over-the-counter version of naloxone.

Brown said the government should use its emergency authority to buy and distribute large quantities of naloxone and immediately make it available over the counter.

Trump directed the health agency to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency last year.

“That’s the difference between declaring a public health emergency and actually acting as if there’s a public health emergency,” Brown said.

10

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

Odds and Ends The Associated Press

Officials: Man broke into home, got owner to give him a ride Waterboro, Maine (AP) - Authorities in Maine say a man broke into a home, had a bite to eat, watched TV and even got a car ride from his unsuspecting victim. The York County sheriff’s office said 35-year-old Derek Tarbox broke into a Waterboro home Sunday afternoon, took a shower, got dressed in the homeowner’s clothing and was watching television when the homeowner arrived. The intruder said he mistakenly thought the house belonged to a friend and asked for a ride home. The homeowner told authorities that seemed plausible, so he drove him to a house in Hollis, which actually belonged to Tarbox’s relatives. The victim later realized his home had been ransacked. Tarbox, who was arrested in Limrick, was due to be arraigned on burglary and other charges Wednesday. It was unclear if he has a lawyer.

Chipped tooth? No! Diner finds pearl in his oyster dish New York (AP) - A lucky diner says he happened upon a pearl while eating an oyster dish at a famous New York City restaurant. Rick Antosh was out to lunch with a friend and ordered his usual at the Grand Central Oyster Bar on Dec. 5 - the $14.75 pan roast, a stew-like dish that includes six oysters. The 66-year-old tells the New York Post that he felt a small object rolling around his mouth after diving into the dish. “For a fraction of a second, there was terror,” Antosh told the Post. “Is it a tooth? Is it a filling?”

The Edgewater, New Jersey, resident says it turned out to be a pea-sized pearl. He has not had the prize appraised.

“I’ve been here 28 years,” said Sandy Ingber, the restaurant’s executive chef. “This is only the second time I’ve seen this happen. And we sell over 5,000 oysters on the half shell every day.” The occurrence of natural pearls in oysters is not well understood, but anecdotally it has been estimated at one in 10,000, according to Matthew W. Gray, an oyster physiologist at the University of Maryland. Antosh said he’s not yet sure what he’ll do with the find. “I will definitely come back and try to find more pearls,” he said. “You never know.”

Burger joint closes after video appears to show rat cooking Honolulu (AP) - A Hawaii-based burger chain has closed a Honolulu restaurant for cleaning after a video posted to social media appeared to show a rat being cooked on the grill. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers has closed the Mapunapuna location and fired two employees who appeared in the Snapchat video. “We are horrified that a former teenage employee would conduct themselves in that way and make such a video of which we are investigating its authenticity,” said Richard Stula, the president of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. The company initiated a “complete sanitization” and is replacing equipment and utensils at the fast-food restaurant after the video was shared with them several days ago, Stula said in the statement. “We will then send a corporate team in to inspect and complete a thorough audit of the location before it is allowed to re-open,” Stula said.

The state Department of Health is scheduled to inspect the restaurant on Mapunapuna Street on Friday. The company is also contacting a licensed pest control operator to examine the restaurant for rodents, said Peter Oshiro, the state’s environmental health program manager. “DOH appreciates the remedial and proactive efforts undertaken by the restaurant owner to protect public health,” Oshiro said in a statement. The restaurant received a passing green placard following its last state inspection in June. The company is consulting with its attorneys about potential legal action against the former employees, Stula said. “We are horrified a former employee would create something like this trying to destroy our reputation without regard for our 20-plus years of quality and aloha,” he said.

PATTAYA MAIL

Crossword No 1328

sponsored by

Massic Travel

Across 1 Curved structure (4) 3 Hard to understand (8) 9 Conceded (7) 10 Greenfly (5) 11 Concepts (5) 12 Not liable (6) 14 Missing (6) 16 Upper part of the windpipe (6) 19 Wonder (6) 21 Spring month (5) 24 Indian language (5) 25 Chided (7) 26 Equestrian (8) 27 Nourish (4)

Down 1 Abnormal (8) 2 Large Mediterranean island (5) 4 Animal at home in a sett (6) 5 Tantalise (5) 6 Miserable (7) 7 Alleviate (4) 8 Having a better than even chance (4-2) 13 Kept out (8) 15 Computer peripheral (7) 17 Female warrior (6) 18 Northernmost American state (6) 20 Put into words (5) 22 Long narrow range of hills (5) 23 Title of former rulers of Iran (4)

Answer to 982 Across: 1. Abandon, 5. Qualm, 8. Thief, 9. Ability, 10. Conceal, 11. Scale, 12. Estate, 14. Dozens, 18. Arrow, 20. Delight, 22. Tension, 23. Quail, 24. Royal, 25. Slender.

Down: 1. Article, 2. Alien, 3. Deflect, 4. Nearly, 5. Quits, 6. Agitate, 7. Maybe, 13. Tyranny, 15. Oblique, 16. Settler, 17.

Adonis, 18. Actor, 19. Whirl, 21. Grand.

Ten-Minute Sudoku An easy Sudoku puzzle that should not take long to complete.

The rules of Sudoku are simple. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Each row must contain one of each digit. So must each column and each 3x3 box.

Answer next week.

Last week’s answers:

No. 231

Stolen purple penguin statue returned to hotel museum Oklahoma City (AP) - A large purple penguin statue that was swiped from a hotel in Oklahoma City apparently managed to waddle back home after police released surveillance camera images of a man with the $3,000 piece of art tucked under his arm. Oklahoma City police on Friday announced that the statue, which disappeared Sunday night from the 21c Museum Hotel, had been “returned home.” No arrests have been announced. Hotel staff speculated that it was stolen by someone visiting a guest. Surveillance images show a man carrying the artwork by its head. The penguin is about two-thirds the height of the statue thief. A spokeswoman for the hotel said she was “thrilled the penguin has been returned to our flock”.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Answers next week.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

11

Have you read your instruction manual?

After using many different cameras over far too many years, I have become a little blasé about instruction manuals. After all, the technical side of photography involves manipulating shutter speed, aperture of the lens and focusing. It really should not need much more than a few pages to cover that.

However, with the digital evolution and the advent of LCD’s and drop down menus and other electronic trickery, it has become necessary to once more study the instruction manuals (and I have to admit I have not read my new one from cover to cover)!

But instruction manuals are not new. A few years back now, I was given a book by Jan Olav Aamlid called How to make good pictures - a book for the

amateur photographer.

Published by Kodak Limited in London, the book had 170 glossy pages and the price was one shilling!

Unfortunately, there was no date in the book, but looking at the photographs printed in it, I would put the date at around 1920.

Things have changed photographically too. Before the world developed that wonderful little pop-up flash on your compact camera, that “knows” it has to come up when the light levels are low, Kodak were offering the Amateur Flashlight Outfit for those who would brave the dark. I quote from our one shilling book, “The procedure is simple. The powder is crushed and mixed as indicated, then the taper is fixed in position at one end of the tray. When ready to make the exposure, the taper is lit and the lamp slowly tilted until the powder falls on the flame.” The book goes on a couple of pages later, “When more than one flashlight picture is to be taken, the windows should be opened between each

flash to free the room thoroughly from smoke, otherwise all the pictures after the first few are liable to have a slightly ‘foggy’ appearance.”

Further advice to the amateur with his flash powder and taper include, “If the room is darkened the sudden flash of light so strains the eyes of the sitters that it almost invariably gives them a staring look, but if the room is already illuminated by gas or electricity, the strain is not so great and the eyes will have a natural expression.” I would imagine that sitting in a closed room with some lunatic with crushed flash powder and a lit taper would make anyone stare a little! Yes, we certainly get it easy these days.

There is one complete chapter on photographing interiors, with exposure times quoted around the 10 minute mark. They do caution, “If time exposures are made with the camera held in the hands, the pictures will be blurred.”

The mind boggles at a handheld 10 minute time exposure!

However, it does have some very pertinent facts. With portrait photography, the

book suggests, “As an example, take a young man with too prominent ears; it is obvious in this case that the full face would be displeasing, so turn the face slowly away from the light until the ear nearest the light disappears from the line of sight.” The book also says that if this still does not fix the problem, get the young man to rest his head on his hand and hide the appendages that way!

For me, the best part of the book was in the first few chapters where the basic principles of photography were explained in detail, even showing the differences between different manufacture of lenses. Exposure control is well documented, and the amateur photographer who followed this book through to the end would have no longer been a true “amateur”.

In those halcyon days, the budding photographer was also his own darkroom assistant and much of the book is devoted to D&P (Developing and Printing) and how to avoid the traps and pitfalls. For those of

Ed’s note: Hillary has been feeling a bit flush this week, no doubt from the holiday cheer, so we’ve reached back into our wayback machine and pulled up an oldie but goodie for you to enjoy.

pay for. A ‘mia chow’or ‘rented wife’. “Love”, devotion, commitment are qualities you generally won’t find there. As in any relationship (m-f, m-m, f-f) go slowly, Petal. Go slowly! It is a dangerous battleground you are traversing.

Dear Hillary, Greetings! Ever since I laid my foot to Pattaya 5 or 6 years ago, I have been an avid reader of your column. I’m an Asian foreigner contract worker in Pattaya then, but when my contract ended and moved to another country I kept the paper’s website and kept myself updated from your column. Over the years of reading your columns, it still humored and amazes me of the different stories and revelations. But above all, as most of the stories I read are the few men who were able to find their partners and knowing Thai women, well the relationship was a happy ending after all! The thought crossed my mind of going back to Pattaya, this time not for work but for a partner... It sounds ridiculous, but I’m not getting any younger and the fact that I’m a woman! Well Ms. Hillary, I bet this is the most unusual letter you’ll ever read, cause this time it’s a woman’s search for a partner... wish me luck Ms. Hillary!

Lost Angel

Dear Hillary, I had no idea my letter would post so soon or even at all.

Just to follow up we made it to Bangkok, spent a few days with my wife’s family and within 3 days we moved into a condo here in Pattaya. All is well. While advice is your job, I’d like to say to your readers who have suffered in every imaginable way, a farang can never know everything Thai.

Those who for whatever reason refuse to use common sense, and allow a certain body part to dictate their lives assures you will always have material.

Take Care, Les and Lawan

Dear Lost Angel, I’m sorry to disappoint you Ms. Lost Angel, yours is not the most unusual letter I’ve ever read, but back to your situation.

You need a partner, and I can assure you that you will never be lonely in Pattaya, no matter what your needs in a partner entails - and you haven’t really told me much about that, have you? However, the simple fact remains for all people who come to Thailand looking for partners, if you choose from the commercial end of available partners, you will get what you

Dear Les and Lawan, Thank you again, and I do take care! That is certainly timely (and timeless) advice for those who read this column. Unfortunately “common sense” is an oxymoron, as it isn’t too “common”, is it? I’ll leave it to the gents loaded with Vitamin V to work out just to which “certain body part” you are referring! Enjoy your new condo.

Dear Hillary, I was drinking with my mates the other morning and a Thai friend suggested that I needed a tattoo to look more manly.

Well, at 4 in the a.m. you’re not at your best so I went with him for the tat. I told him I wanted a heart with “I love MOM”. I got the tattoo finished and woke up and went home. When I awoke

you who have dabbled (or rather dipped and dunked) you will agree that it does give another dimension to

picture taking, one that has all but disappeared these days with the advent of the digital camera.

I admired my new tat in the mirror and was shocked to find “I love WOW” on my arm. I showed it to my ‘friend’ Nok at the bar and she is very mad at me and wants to know who “Wow” is. She is looking for her. I think the answer is to change the name of Pattaya, which no one can pronounce, to WOW City.

It is more descriptive and would get me out of trouble.

Singha Jerry Dear Singha Jerry, “Get you out of trouble”? Impossible, my sweet potato. Trouble is your middle name, and always has been. I will get one of the girls to tell your friend Nok that there is a Wow who has a bar in Jomtien. She should take along a video camera, the meeting could be interesting. You were certainly very lucky to find a friendly tattoo artist at 4 a.m., and ones that administer general anesthetics are even more rare. Or did you use several gallons of Singha beer as the anesthetic? Or was that as the alcohol swab to clean the skin before the ink was applied?

Dear Hillary, Just a quickie. I want to send a girl I met last time I was up on holidays some money for her birthday just before Xmas later this year, but I’ve been told that it’s not too safe sending money by post. As I won’t be back in Thailand till around March/April next year, it is a bit late to bring it over myself. What’s your suggestion? The safer the better.

Jack Dear Jack, That is nice of you, but your little lady friend will soon tell you the best way, if you haven’t worked it out before Santa comes down the chimney. You don’t post it, you transfer it to her bank account, and she will have one, believe me! Posting is a no-no!

12 FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Avani Pattaya awards scholarships donated by the Heinecke Foundation The Avani Pattaya Resort awarded 324,000 baht in scholarships to underprivileged students and children of hotel employees. General Manager Somsak Tanruengsri presented the stipends, funded by the Heinecke Foundation: the charity organization founded by William E. Heinecke, Chairman and CEO of Avani operator, Minor International.

The hotel has provided scholarships over the last 20 years and plans to continue to do so. This year, they were divided into external scholarships for students in various schools, including 30 students from Wat

Boonsamphan, Khao Chee Chan, and Tunglaharn schools, as well as nearby Pattaya School No. 8 which received 109,500 baht for primary school and for high school.

Another 23 scholarships worth 162,500 baht were awarded to Avani team members for a total of 324,000 baht.

The criterion for granting these scholarships to qualifying students is willingness to study hard and good behaviour. Therefore, the The Avani Pattaya Resort awarded 324,000 baht in scholarships to underprivileged students and children atmosphere in the selection of hotel employees. of education and aims to successfully, to gain knowl- Moreover, being a quality process during the event is parents and teachers alike.

T h e h o t e l i s a c u t e l y aid young people to be- edge and have the ability to person in society can bode filled with pride and joy of not only the students but aware of the importance come determined to study secure a rewarding career. well for the future too.

Robots to headline Nongprue Children’s Day

Nine area schools will participate in Nongprue’s official Children’s Day festivities Saturday by organizing activities, games and prizes and provide free food and beverages.

Warapun Jaikusol Robots roaming a “future world” will highlight Nongprue’s official Children’s Day festivities Saturday.

Sub-district Clerk Teerawit Thongnok said Jan. 3 this

year’s event at the municipal hall Jan. 12 will emphasize the government’s Thailand 4.0 policy to give children the opportunity to learn about modernization and automation.

Nine area schools will

participate by organizing activities, games and prizes and provide free food and beverages.

The sub-district also will hand out 50 scholarships to poor students with strong academic records.

Burapha students win safe-driving award

Communication Arts students Avika Onnim, Jarurawin Sukattakit, Sudarat Klinklun and Tewa Tantakan receive their award for a campaign to promote safe driving.

A group of sophomores at Burapha University were awarded an honorable mention in the annual Toyota Campus Challenge. A total 679 teams across the country participated.

Communication Arts students Avika Onnim, Jarurawin Sukattakit, Sudarat Klinklun and Tewa Tantakan received their award Dec. 27 for a campaign to promote safe driving.

Toyota has been holding its Campus Challenge for five years seeking ideas for public relations campaigns focused on road safety. Thailand has the eighth-worst road safety record in the world.

Coco News student website honored

The Humanities and Social Sciences Department students and advisor Chawarong Limpattamapanee won an honorable mention for their Coco News site.

Journalism students at Burapha University were honored for best practices in running new website by the Online News Providers Association.

The Humanities and Social Sciences

Dep a r t m e n t s t u d e n t s a n d a d v i s o r Chawarong Limpattamapanee won an honorable mention for their Coco News (CocoNews.in.th) site Dec. 19 at the Thai Journalists Association awards dinner.

Ad video wins praise for Burapha students Communication Arts students at Burapha University were honored for their video work at the True Yong Producer Awards.

Wijittra Kuhaprasertsuk, Niracha Laomala and Patsorn Luanghiranpusit of the Advertising and Marketing Communications Department and advisor Panpilart Kulladilok received an honorable mention in the Advertising Movie for Society category in the contest sponsored by True Cop., the Advertising Association of Thailand, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and UNICEF. A total 675 student teams submitted entries in the contest.

Burapha University Communication Arts students Wijittra Kuhaprasertsuk, Niracha Laomala and Patsorn Luanghiranpusit were honored for their video work at the True Yong Producer Awards.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 13

PATTAYA MAIL

Thai Garden Resort receives Holiday Bully dog show returns to Pattaya Check Award of Excellence The Thai Garden Resort team recently received their latest award, the Holiday Check Award of Excellence issued by HolidayCheck Germany.

HolidayCheck is among the largest on-line hotels portal in Germany in regards to hotel bookings and especially certified hotel reviews from actual guests.

Based on the performance of the Thai Garden Resort over the past nine years this very special ‘Nine Years of Consecutive Excellence” was bestowed, which ranks the resort among the most popular hotels in the world in its category.

In the whole of Thailand, only 5 hotels received this award, while in Pattaya only the Thai Garden Resort was awarded.

Rene Pisters, the General Manager of the Resort for the past 18 years, uses this opportunity to thank all his team members, as it is only because of their service and dedication that the resort received this award.

It is a fantastic team effort, which can only be achieved when the entire team is dedicated at all times to provide excellent service towards their guests.

Destination LONDON

Secondly, the general manager would like to give full credits towards the guests who have stayed at the Thai Garden Resort over the years and who have published their reviews of the property, as it is because of their reviews that the resort is so highly ranked and has achieved this award.

For more information, please contact us at guestservice@thaigarden.com or visit our website at www.thaigarden.com

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The Pattaya Business & Tourism Association and American Bully Register Association announced the Pattaya Bully Expo will be held Jan. 26 at the Eastern National Indoor Sports Stadium.

Pure-bred American Bully dogs will return to Pattaya for the first time in seven years to showcase canines bred from the American Pit Bull and American Staffordshire terriers.

The Pattaya Business & Tourism Association and American Bully Register Association are sponsoring the Jan. 26 Pattaya Bully Expo at the Eastern National Indoor Sports Stadium.

Deputy City Manager Sutham Petchked met Dec. 28 with local tourism officials to begin planning the event with

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Eakasit Kunanantakul, head of the Employer Council of Thailand.

Organizers claim the show will be the largest of its kind in Asia with purebreds from more than 20 countries competing for ribbons and trophies. The last show in Pattaya was held in 2011.

The event also will be a platform for government officials to advocate sterilization of street dogs and vaccinations for more ordinary breeds.

Bully owners and fans acknowledge that while the

Bully’s lineage includes the aggressive, oft-maligned pit bull, Bullies are, in fact, a very docile, friendly breed.

It was created by American Kennel Club breeders to be the “ultimate family companion” and is known to be outgoing and eager to please.

The AKC notes, however, that young Bullies do have aggressive instincts that need to be curbed through training.

The Bully arose on the east and west coast of the U.S., but now can be found in Europe and Asia. (PPRD)

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14 FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

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VOL. XXVII No. 2

Can Astrology improve your love life?

Member Richard Smith updates the PCEC audience on upcoming wine dinners at the Holiday Inn and other locations in Pattaya.

Ren Lexander (left) gives an interesting and humorous presentation to the PCEC on how Astrological signs can be a guide to improving intimate relationships.

Can Astrology improve your love life? Ren Lexander, PhD., certainly believes so in that he has written, among his several books, Seduction by the Stars: An astrological guide to love, lust and intimate relationships co-written with professional astrologer Geraldine Rose, which he shared with his fellow Pattaya City Expat Club (PCEC) at their December 30 meeting. Ren talked about the making of this book and his own adventures in the minefields of love, lust and intimate relationships.

(must do’s and no-no’s) and how to end a relationship with a person of that sign. The information is direct, clear and very much on the mark. The book is for both those who are completely new to Astrology, and those who have been studying it for years.

Although aware that some would find this astrology thing outlandish, Ren believes that a true astrological reading (more complex than just 12 astrological boxes) is remarkably tell-tale in its accuracy and therefore can be counted upon with

Member Roger Fox interviews Ren Lexander about his presentation to the PCEC. To view the video, visit: https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t1xGdodcNs&t=1s.

Seduction by the Stars is an easy-to-read-but amazingly-accurate astrology book. Written in a humorous, creative style, this personality guide offers a balanced perspective of the best and worst sides of astrological sign personalities.

Each sign is explained in terms of how to lure someone of that sign, how to interest, how to seduce (many creative, fun ideas), sex with that sign, how to handle a relationship with that sign

some significant degree of certainty.

Besides commenting on all the signs individually and specifically, the book is sprinkled with scores of Ren’s personal experiences in the field of love and knowing. What is really amazing is the great detail of prep questions applied to the handling of each astrological sign. His book has an outline of the specific information available for each astrological sign.

MC Roy Albiston thanks Ren Lexander for stepping in at the last minute with a great subject to replace the scheduled speaker that had cancelled.

Some comments regarding his book: “Real adult entertainment with tongue firmly planted in cheek;” “insanely entertaining and fun;” “This is a great book;” “I’ve been reading this for years. This is my third copy because my ex’s keep throwing it away once I get settled.” “This book is really funny;” “Do you want to feel like an attractive, worthwhile human being? Do not read this book.” And Ren’s favorite, given one star and written next to a copy of the book entirely ripped to shreds…

“Would have given it ‘no stars’ if possible.”

Ren mentioned during the outgoing interview that someone who had used his book extensively reported that he had crossed the 1000 threshold of lovers. So, you’re in Pattaya… let’s get going!

After the presentations, MC Roy Albiston brought everyone up to date on upcoming events and then turned it over to the Open Forum portion of the meeting where questions are asked and answered and comments made about Expat living in Thailand, Pattaya in particular. For more information about the PCEC and their activities, visit www.pcec.club

The PCEC has several activities organized by their members that take place during the week. A table is maintained at the meeting where those interested can sign up to participate as well as containing other information of interest to Expats in Pattaya.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

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Charles Wuorinen (b. 1938): Flying to Kahani. Anne-Marie McDermott (pno), Orchestra of the League of Composers cond. Charles Wuorinen (Duration: 11:37; Video: 1080p HD) Charles Wuorinen. (Photo/Nina Roberts)

Does the name Bartolomeo Cristofori ring any bells?

He’s the person that history credits with the invention of the piano. For years, harpsichord manufacturers had realized the limitations of their instruments. The main problem was that it had a rather limited dynamic range. Because of its mechanism it simply couldn’t play both softly and loudly.

Cristofori was the keeper of the musical instruments in the court of Prince Ferdinand de Medici of Florence and was the first to solve the harpsichord problem. During the twilight years of the 17th century he began work on a new instrument that we now call the piano, creating two additional keyboard instruments in the process.

Cristofori’s pianos had a soft tone but the sound of the instrument was later improved by several industrial developments, notably the availability of high-quality steel that could be made into piano strings and the

technical ability to cast immensely strong iron frames.

The piano as we know it emerged over a period of about twenty years and it could play a wide range of dynamics, from very soft to very loud. This feature is still reflected in its present-day full name, the pianoforte, which is derived by joining the two Italian words for “soft” (piano) and “loud” (forte). The piano could also play more notes because the iron frames were strong enough to add more strings.

Since the time of Cristofori, the piano has been surprisingly resilient and has found its way into more homes worldwide than probably any other instrument. Almost every major composer has written a piano concerto and this has continued into the twenty-first century. Interestingly, during the 20th century the piano became more frequently used as an orchestral instrument; a trend probably started by Stravinsky.

This is a piano concerto in all but name.

Charles Wuorinen is known to be somewhat dismissive of composers who still use “old-fashioned” tonality. Nevertheless, with well over two hundred compositions to his name Wuorinen (WOR-rih-nunn) is highly regarded among America’s senior composers. He began writing music at the age of five and during his life has won many awards for his compositions.

This evocatively-titled work is derived from Wuorinen’s 2004 opera Haroun and the Sea of Stories. If this title sounds vaguely familiar, it comes from Salman Rushdie’s 1990 children’s book of the same name. Kahani is Earth’s undiscovered second moon.

The eleven-year-old hero of the story Haroun Khalifa and his companion fly there with the assistance of a mechanical bird. On Kahani they arrive at a vast sea called the Ocean of the Streams of Story, the place from which all stories originate. It’s all magical stuff and to my ears at least, there’s magic in Wuorinen’s music

Pianistics

too. If at first you find the musical language a bit daunting, stay with it and you might find that it becomes more approachable as the work gradually unfolds.

Incidentally, Charles Wuorinen’s third opera was based on the short story Brokeback Mountain by the American author and Pulitzer prizewinner Annie Proulx.

As you might recall, the story was made into the tremendously successful 2005 movie by Taiwanese film director Ang Lee. Wuorinen’s opera of the same name was premiered in Madrid in 2014.

Narong Prangcharoen (b. 1973): Luminary Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.

Christopher Janwong McKiggan (pno), Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra cond.

Dariusz Mikulski (Duration: 29:28; Video: 1080p HD) Narong Prangcharoen is currently the Dean of the College of Music, Mahidol University. He has won numerous awards for his compositions, notably the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Alexander Zemlinsky International Composition Competition Prize. Prangcharoen hails from Uttaradit province in Northern Thailand and studied both in Thailand and

Preston and Child’s stories are multifaceted and complex Jeff Ayers Authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child working together are masters at crafting a story that goes beyond a simple mystery or thriller. Their stories are multifaceted and complex, making the reading experience a true joy. This time, in their new novel “Verses for the Dead”, while main character Pendergast works with agent Coldmoon, the crime has many unconventional layers to it, making it more difficult to solve. The killer murders his victim and then removes the heart. The organ is left at a gravestone in the cemetery with a cryptic note next to it. The victim and the owner of the grave seemingly aren’t connected. Pendergast soon figures out that the heart is left at gravestones of women who committed suicide.

Pendergast thinks outside the box at all times, and goes against direct orders

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 15

to prove a hunch. He believes the women were actually murdered, and the killer known by the moniker Brokenhearts might be responsible for their deaths in addition to the recent victims. With his career on the line, Pendergast has a lot to prove and quickly or the killer might strike again. What he doesn’t know is that his new partner, Coldmoon, has strict orders to do everything in his power to see Pendergast fail.

The unorthodox methods agent Pendergast applies to solve the truly bizarre cases he encounters are legendary. This almost insubordination is the primary reason why his new boss wants him transferred out of his jurisdiction.

Readers unfamiliar with Pendergast will find this novel a fantastic launch point. He’s a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, and the story reads like classic literature rather than the majority of mystery/thrillers on the market. (AP)

America. He earned his doctoral degree at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri Kansas City. In recent years he has established an international reputation and is recognized as one of Asia’s leading composers whose music has been performed by some of the world’s top orchestras.

Luminary was composed to honor the seventy-second birthday of pianist and teacher Bennett Lerner. It’s a tremendously exciting and rhythmic work, scored for large orchestra with a massive percussion section. Like the classical piano concerto, Luminary is cast in three main sections and opens

with frenetic repeated notes and figurations on the solo piano interspersed with crashing orchestral chords.

It becomes a musical exchange between the piano and the percussion and the raw energy is captivating.

The middle section is a reflective peaceful movement with a strangely ethereal quality and the third movement returns dramatically to the high energy of the first movement. I thought I heard hints of traditional Thai ranat music in the thundering and virtuosic piano writing. This is compelling music, given a magnificent performance by the orchestral and the immensely talented soloist.

To watch these YouTube videos, either use your Smartphone to read the QR codes or go to this article online, click on the “live” links and go direct to the videos.

If you have a laptop, sound quality can be improved significantly by using headphones or external speakers.

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VOL. XXVII No. 2

Too much Spider-Man? Not in the Spider-Verse

Mark Kennedy Los Angeles (AP) - “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” gleefully scrambles the notion there can be only one friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and offers the exciting idea that he can be anyone. He can be a girl, he can be a middle-aged dude with a paunch and he can even be a cartoon pig.

It’s hard to underestimate what this means, but this film does what comics and graphic novels have long experimented with, but this time makes the leap to the big screen. It literally opens up a universe of possibilities. “Anyone can wear the mask. You can wear the mask,” we are told.

The result is a film that’s fantastically fresh, both visually and narratively, trippy and post-modern at the same time and packed with intriguing storytelling tools, humor, empathy and action, while also true to its roots — still telling the story of a young man learning to accept the responsibility of fighting for what’s right.

Our main hero here is one plucked from a spin-off from

the main Spider-Man comic book universe: Miles Morales, a half-African-American, half-Puerto Rican teen from Brooklyn who has a Chance the Rapper poster on his wall. He looks and acts nothing like previous Peter Parker types — Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland — and that’s great. Hey, if Cate Blanchett can play Bob Dylan in a movie, why not offer us a new look on Spidey?

Produced by Phillip Lord and Christopher Miller, the duo behind the acclaimed “The Lego Movie,” this Spider-Man saga pops with outstanding animation, constantly changing its styles. At times, it can be hyper-real, then surreal. It includes anime, slo-mo, color distortion, Pop art, handdrawn elements, CG animation and even tweaks its own origins by adding dialogue in little panels.

The animators place their story in a wonderfully gritty New York, complete with screeching, graffiti-streaked subway cars and charmless pedestrians. One quibble: Their ability to have things in the foreground appear in sharp relief while objects in the background bleed away makes it seem as if you’re watching a 3D film without those weird glasses.

Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show vocalist Ray Sawyer dies at 81 Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP) — Guitarist and vocalist Ray Sawyer of the rock band Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show died last week at the age of 81.

Wearing a black eyepatch, Sawyer was the face of the band as they produced several hits in the 1970s.

His agent, Mark Lyman, said Sawyer died in his sleep Monday, December 31 in Daytona Beach, Florida, after a brief illness. Lyman declined to give a cause of death out of respect for his family’s privacy.

Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show’s hits included “Sylvia’s Mother,” ‘’When

Ray Sawyer of the rock band Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show.

You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” and “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone.’”

Sawyer wore a patch over his right eye after suffering an injury from a car accident as a young man.

Lyman says Sawyer toured up until two years ago.

This image shows a scene from “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” (Sony Pictures Animation via AP)

Our hero Miles (Shameik Moore) is trying to navigate life between his cop dad (Brian Tyree Henry) and his cooler uncle (Mahershala Ali). After being bitten by a radioactive spider, he witnesses the death of SpiderMan. But Miles soon learns

there are many other SpiderPeople, freed from their realities by the hulking Kingpin (Liev Schreiber), who has built a nuclear collider that allows access to alternative universes.

“New Girl” star Jake Johnson voices a flabbier and depressed

Peter Parker who wears sweat pants and is going through a divorce to Mary Jane. There’s a fedora-wearing, black-and-white SpiderMan Noir (Nicolas Cage) who has been teleported from battling Nazis. There’s also a cool-girl Spider-Gwen

played by Hailee Steinfeld, and Kimiko Glenn voices an anime schoolgirl from the future. And there’s SpiderHam (John Mulaney) who is rooted in Saturday morning kiddie cartoons, including the use of a dropping anvil.

This odd family unites to take down Kingpin and return to their universes, winking forever at themselves and the viewer, not a little like the “Deadpool.” Directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman — Rothman and Phil Lord wrote the story — also ground the tale with a great soundtrack that includes Elliphant, RunDMC, The Notorious B.I.G., James Brown and Nicki Minaj.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” a Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG for “for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements and mild language.” Running time: 117 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.

Bhutanese band brings international flavor to Hard Rock Pattaya Last Friday was a good night for Hard Rock Pattaya to launch its latest inhouse band to entertain hotel guests and visitors. The launch took place at the famous Hard Rock beach Café where local press and guests gave the Bhutanese band O’Strangers a very warm welcome and in return the visitors from the Himalayan kingdom played their full repertoire of music featuring ballads and rock songs.

O’Strangers is a 4-piece group comprising Sonam Jurme (songwriter), Zombie (lead singer), Michael (drummer) and Ezzuu Bj (lead guitarist). Formerly known as Upsurge, a few band members regrouped to form O’Strangers and mark a new chapter in their musical destiny.

As Upsurge, they received widespread acclaim following the release of their first album “Shaw Lhab Marp”, which featured hit songs “Megi Dhuema”, “Acho

Bhutanese rock/folk band O’Strangers.

Daka” and “Pazo”. When the band members decided to part ways to pursue new directions, O’Strangers was formed out of the ashes of the previous band and focused more on exploring alternative/folk rock style music, moving away from their former genre of classic Bhutanese ballads.

In 2018, O’Strangers released their first single, “Haema Haema”, a Japanese rock-inspired ballad that was

an instant hit in Bhutan.

They also recorded two original songs for the movie “Love in Sikkim”, which underlined the versatility of their compositions. Much of the band’s appeal stems from their distinctive sound, and ability to fuse popular cover songs into unique renditions that are uncompromising of the band’s musical identity.

O’Strangers has played over 50+ gigs in Bhutan, including

the International Band Festival 2015 in Thimphu. The band has also appeared on BBS, the country’s biggest broadcasting TV network, for an hour-long interview with a phenomenal fans’ response. Similarly, Kuzoo FM, the most popular radio station in Bhutan, also hosted the band on its evening prime time show.

O’Strangers launched its debut album, “The Angel of the Stone Age”, with a live concert at the Lugar Theatre in Thimphu, Bhutan in July last year.

For all Thai fans out there, O’Strangers will be playing live at Hard Rock Pattaya from 5 January to 4 March 2019. Meet O’Strangers every Monday 9pm & on Saturday 8pm-9pm at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya and on Wednesday-Sunday 5pm6.45pm at the Poolside of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya & 7.30pm–9.15pm at Moon Deck. Free entrance.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

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FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 17

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band: ‘The Impossible Dream’ mott@pattayamail.com In 1974, with Britain in the grip of Glam Rock fever, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band released their third album titled “The Impossible Dream”. After the relative success of their breakthrough album “Next” in 1973 it was the perfect follow-up, and represented a huge leap forward musically.

Alex Harvey, who had started out on the road to stardom by winning a ‘Scotland finds its own Tommy Steele contest’, initially spent five years as a musical director for the hit West End show “Hair”. But then in 1972, having already turned 37, he set out to make himself a rock star at an age when most of his peers had already peaked and disappeared. He

met up with the band Tear Gas in Glasgow, Scotland and persuaded them to take him onboard and change their direction to become The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Their rise to fame in Britain was mercurial, going from support band to headliners almost overnight.

Harvey mixed his role as pantomime mafia godfather with the band’s many talents. Zal Cleminson was an amazingly unique genius on lead guitar, with the make-up and image of a dangerous clown completing the package. On bass guitar was Chris

Alex Harvey is shown in this undated photo.

Glenn, an intimidating stage presence to go with his playing ability, and the band were completed by cousins Hugh and Ted McKenna on keyboards and drums respectively.

This album comprises nine songs topped and tailed by epic tracks, but the middle seven gave the band plenty of material to flesh out on stage, especially in the case

of Zal Cleminson who could really flip out on “Weights Made Of Lead”. Elsewhere, the songs gave us new characters for Alex Harvey to portray in the live arena including Sergeant Fury, and the Tomahawk Kid, which brought to life the whole Treasure Island thing. Audience members were also given a chance to get their

Presley’s ‘Comeback Special’ still relevant, 50 years later Adrian Sainz Memphis, Tenn. (AP) — Elvis Presley wanted an honest answer. Steve Binder gave him one.

Presley was meeting Binder for the first time in Binder’s office in Los Angeles in 1968.

A music and television producer, Binder had been asked to put together an NBC television special featuring Presley, who had become more of a movie actor than a rock ‘n’ roll singer in the 1960s when the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were dominating the rock world.

Presley and Binder talked for about an hour about music and established a rapport, Binder recalls. Then Presley popped the question: “What do you think of my career?”

“I was young and brash in those days,” Binder told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “I said, ‘I think it’s in the toilet.’”

According to Binder, Presley said: “Well finally, somebody’s talking straight to me.”

That meeting became a meaningful step in the creation of the one-hour TV show “Singer Presents...Elvis,” better known today as the ’68 Comeback Special. Aired on Dec. 3, 1968, the program was a rapturous return for the 33-year-old Presley, whose music had mostly stuck to soundtrack songs from his often pulpy, saccharine films.

It was sponsored by Singer, the sewing machine company.

Elvis Presley is shown in this Aug. 1969 file photo.

(AP Photo)

Relaxed at some points, energetic during others — and always inspired — a stillhandsome Presley sounds strong and soulful. He appears genuine: He sweats, his black hair gets messed up.

The finale features an emotional Presley singing “If I Can Dream,” a moving piece written for the show that served as a response to the tumult of 1968, when the Vietnam War served as the backdrop for the assassinations of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.

Presley returned to prominence. He began performing for sold-out crowds in Las Vegas and produced “From Elvis in Memphis,” an album that included “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto.”

Presley’s career would slow down. He divorced his wife, Priscilla, and began abusing prescription drugs.

He died of a heart attack on Aug. 16, 1977, in Memphis.

Still, his popularity has remained high. Graceland, the tourist attraction built around his former Memphis home, draws 500,000 visitors a year.

HBO recently released a documentary, “Elvis Presley: The Searcher.” And his image and voice are regularly used in films, TV shows and commercials.

Much has been said about the importance of the ’68 Comeback Special to Presley’s career. In a 2008 Los Angeles Times article, writer Robert Lloyd calls it a “moment of change.”

“He regains his voice,” Lloyd writes.

Television had been an early friend to Presley. He made groundbreaking appearances on variety shows hosted by Ed Sullivan and Milton Berle.

Later, however, they became sources of embarrassment.

Binder says Presley complained that hosts openly made fun of him.

Presley’s return to TV required a leap of faith. Binder says Presley’s manager, Col. Tom Parker, wanted a Christmas-themed special but Blinder would have no part of it. The typically hard-nosed Parker eventually relented and the special included only a small reference to the holiday, with “Blue Christmas.”

Musical director Billy Goldenberg said he had to find a path to Presley’s “subconscious character, the things that were going on that he didn’t say, but did.”

Goldenberg also wanted to “bring Elvis into the 1960s”

and make him “valid.”

NBC’s investment was validated. The special became its top-rated show of the year and has grown in stature since. A box set released in late November includes a Blu-ray version of the program, and Binder has written a book about the show.

A show he never thought would endure.

“Nothing is dated. That show could have been shot yesterday,” Binder said. “I had no idea it would ever be seen again.”

own rocks off on the swaggering “Long Hair Music”.

But it’s the two epics that steal the show. The album opens with all thirteen minutes of “Hot Street Symphony”, which reintroduces us to super-hero Vambo and shows off the bands inclinations for progressive rock as well as slipping back into the riffs of Framed and Vambo from previous outings. Alex Harvey himself has a wonderful time out front, playing up his role as the clown prince of gangsters.

The closing epic “Anthem” is a beautifully written piece of music that used to close the band’s live shows. Built on a hypnotic drum beat, the female choir lead you into the song before Harvey pleads his case from the dock as the band breaks in, applying the pressure slowly but firmly. As the finale approaches Cleminson yet again plays some wonderfully tasteful guitar before a full choir come in, with the London Scottish TA Regiment Pipe and Drums band adding their touch to bring the

album to a thunderous climax.

Sadly, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, while being a big story in Britain for a year, never really broke through anywhere else. As brightly as they arrived, they soon faded away and left us with just memories. Alex Harvey himself passed away in 1982 from heart failure aged just 46.

Album Rating: 5 Stars Track List: Hot Street Symphony River Of Love Long Hair Music Hey Sergeant Fury Weights Made Of Lead Money Honey/ Impossible Dream Tomahawk kid Anthem The Sensational Alex Harvey Band: Alex Harvey - guitar and lead vocals Zal Cleminson – lead guitar and backing vocals Chris Glenn - bass guitar and backing vocals Ted McKenna - drums and backing vocals Hugh McKenna - keyboards

Zal Cleminson and Chris Glenn of the The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.

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VOL. XXVII No. 2

ISC rings in holidays with ‘Christmas in the Garden’ Alexander McInnes Every year the grounds, classrooms and auditorium at the International School of Chonburi are transformed into a festive wonderland in which invited guests are treated to class performances, music, a delicious Christmas feast and of course, a visit by a very special individual all the way from the North Pole.

ISC is well known for its events which are open to all of the community, including families, and ‘Christmas in Santa delivering gifts all the way from the North Pole.

Dinner time in a beautiful garden setting!

the Garden’ was no different. Almost 300 guests and students attended.

ISC’s next major community event will be held in

March for the second annual ‘ISC Open Day’. In the meantime, ISC wants to thank all those who attended what was a lovely evening.

Camillian children enjoy another day out to Just Burgers

Justin made an attempt to get the competition underway but unfortunately the tide was so high, every fourth or fifth wave took away every attempt at building a castle Saturday the 5th of January 2019 saw the 4th visit by the Camillian children to Just Burgers on Soi 19, Jomtien Beach Road.

Paul Baird

The kids were not at all concerned with the slightly cooler conditions at this time of year and were splashing and swimming in the sea, having a truly wonderful time

Thank you Justin and your staff.

Saturday the 5th of January 2019 saw the 4th visit by the Camillian children to Just Burgers on Soi 19, Jomtien Beach Road.

When I arrived a little earlier than the children, Justin’s staff sat me down with a very nice cup of hot tea.

There were many of Justin’s helpers there who had all come along to help prepare food for the children’s lunch, for which we thank them ever so much.

The day was overcast and threatened a sprinkling of rain from time to time and unfortunately the luxurious hotel swimming pool at the Regent Condohotel was not available for the children this year. But none of that mattered, for as soon as

At noon it was time for lunch at Just Burgers.

they arrived, the kids were off to the beach just across the road.

Justin had been worried about the weather at this time of year so I suggested buckets and spades for a sand castle building competition. With this in mind, Justin went out and purchased enough building kits for the children to form teams.

Justin made an attempt to get the competition underway but unfortunately the tide was so high, every fourth or fifth wave took away every attempt at building a castle.

However, the kids were not at all concerned with the slightly cooler conditions at this time of year and were splashing and swimming in the sea, having a truly wonderful time.

At noon it was time for lunch at Just Burgers where burgers, fried chicken, fried rice, and french-fries, or as they are known where I come from, chips were served. For desert there was fruit, watermelon, pineapple, and ice cream.

For all this we thank Justin and his staff very much indeed. It also needs be mentioned that many of Justin’s friends and customers came along to help, especially with seeing the kids safely across the beach road.

Thank you all so very much for thinking of our children.

A fun day out was had by all.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

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FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 19

Berlin Wall remnants placed at German Embassy, Bangkok

Jan Scheer, minister at the German Embassy introduces the 3 wall artists Julia Benz, Mue Bon and Kashink before the unveiling.

Former Pattaya deputy mayor Apichart Virapal, Elfi Seitz, Axel Brauer and former Pattaya mayor Anan Charoenchasri pose in front of the historic relic.

German Ambassador H.E. Georg Schmidt, Axel Brauer and H.E. Virasakdi Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs are dwarfed by the towering Berlin Wall segments behind them.

Elfi Seitz

Axel Brauer speaks to students who were very interested in the history of the wall.

A ceremony was held on 12 November to unveil two segments of the infamous Berlin Wall at the German Embassy in Bangkok.

German Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Georg Schmidt presided over the sombre yet exhilarating ceremonies attended by dignitaries, diplomats, business people,

teachers and students.

H.E. Schmidt gave a moving speech about the history of the wall and how much pain and suffering it had caused the people of Germany.

H.E. Virasakdi Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, was guest of honour and spoke emotionally of the most unfortunate years in Germany’s history.

The Diplomatic corps in Bangkok came in large numbers to witness the historic event.

Berlin entrepreneur and Pattaya resident Axel Brauer was the brainchild behind this project. He personally sought out and acquired the wall segments and shipped them to Thailand to be donated to the German Embassy in Bangkok.

Axel spoke of the momentous days during the blockade and how the Luftbrücke (Berlin Airlift) brought food and supplies to the people of West Berlin in 1948-49.

He narrated true incidents of his life when the East Germans started building the wall in 1961 and the day when it came crashing down in 1989.

The inscription on the commemorative plaque reads: “These original segments of

the Berlin Wall are reminders of the peaceful revolution in the former German Democratic Republic, the fall of the Berlin wall on 9 November 1989 and the reunification of Germany on 3 October 1990. They symbolize admonition, freedom and peace.”

As part of the STREET festival 2018, three young artists, Mue Bon (Thailand), Kashink (France), and Julia Benz (Germany) were commissioned to paint the segments the way they envisioned the significance of the wall to the younger generation.

The Berlin Wall now stands in the grounds of the German Embassy, Bangkok, as an everlasting memorial of the grim days in German history.

Peter Schlegel, Rainer Mueller, and Axel Brauer, together with Simon Doerig, school director of RIS Swiss Section, and his students.

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VOL. XXVII No. 2

Food, music showcased at 10th Naklua Walk & Eat

Pop star Tu Pobthon Suntornyanakit performs at the opening.

Bali Hai office building a 25-million-baht white elephant Warapun Jaikusol Critics of Pattaya’s lavish 2017 spending on the redevelopment of Bali Hai Pier predicted an office building and conference center the navy insisted it needed would become a white elephant.

They were right.

More than 25 million baht was spent on the Bali Hai Service Center, a facility the military government said was needed to impress foreign dignitaries. It was finished on time for the November 2017 show – and was never used.

It still hasn’t been. Today, the two-wing complex – with offices and a conference center on the left and ticket office, storage room, more offices and public restrooms on the right – sits empty, still in new condition.

The building was part of nearly 200 million baht in projects that Pattaya and the

The two-wing Bali Hai Service Center complex – with offices and a conference center on the left and ticket office, storage room, more offices and public restrooms on the right – sits empty, still in new condition.

military spent on the pier, including 97 million baht on landscaping. At an early public hearing, the need for the building was questioned, with critics saying the pier already had adequate office space to manage boat traffic and pier administration.

Another 30 million baht was spent to repair the dilapidated wharves, install 96

more CCTV cameras and add three speedboat docks.

Pattaya engineering chief Nattapong Santaveesuk admitted the building has never been used, but denied it has been abandoned and forgotten. The city is still paying to maintain it, he said.

Whether it ever actually opens is up to the politicians, he said.

Pattaya hotels fully booked during holidays – PBTA Warapun Jaikusol

Group President Ekasit Ngampichet said that occupancy rates were at or near 100 percent for Pattaya hotels during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Pattaya hotels were nearly at full capacity during the year-end holidays, a promising sign for high season, the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association said.

Group President Ekasit Ngampichet said Jan. 6 that occupancy rates were at or near 100 percent for Pattaya hotels during the Christmas and New Year holidays, with the expanded, two-day Pattaya Countdown contributing to the surge in business.

Visitor numbers in Pattaya were up overall, with a mix of Thais and foreigners, particularly Asian tourists traveling alone, not in tour groups.

Tourism officials love the so-called FIT, or “free and independent traveler”, because they spend more money on average than package tourists. So while the overall number of Chinese tourists have fallen, due to tour operators cancelling trips to Thailand for safety concerns, the Chinese travelers coming on their own are more beneficial to the local economy.

Pattaya officials are packing the calendar with events to keep up the momentum.

There was music and food aplenty as the 10th Walk & Eat market opened in Naklua.

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome and a host of local and tourism officials were on hand for the Jan. 5 kickoff.

The “walking street” promotes Naklua’s heritage as an old fishing village and showcases locally caught seafood and products made by locals. Officials called it an opportunity for residents to take charge of tourism in Naklua and make extra money.

Themed “See, Taste, Shop, Click, Share”, Walk & Eat runs weekends through Feb. 24 from 3:30-10 p.m. Traffic is closed from the Naklua police booth to the long bridge from 3-10:30 p.m.

Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome and a host of local and tourism officials, along with family and friends were on hand for the 10th Walk & Eat market in Naklua premier.

Saturdays and Sundays.

Food vendors pledged this year not to use plastic bags or foam boxes.

In addition to food, music and cultural performances play out on three stages located

in front of Government Savings Bank, at the 100 Years Naklua Old Market and at the Naklua Long Bridge.

Pop star Tu Pobthon Suntornyanakit performed at the opening. (PCPR)

Mayor calls on Pattaya to give up plastic, foam Pattaya’s mayor called on residents to make New Year’s resolutions to give up plastic bags and do a better job recycling.

Sonthaya Kunplome and Samart Thiengpoonwong, director of the Chonburi Cultural Office joined city and tourism officials at the Jan. 5 opening of the Naklua Walk & Eat with a call to abstain from giving out or accepting plastic bags and foam containers, as well as separate trash for disposal and recycling.

The call echoed government policy, which was highlighted by a Jan. 9 kickoff of a new campaign to reduce waste at the household level.

Pattaya’s kickoff took place Wednesday at Chonglom

Sonthaya Kunplome and Samart Thiengpoonwong joined city and tourism officials with a call to abstain from giving out or accepting plastic bags and foam containers, as well as separate trash for disposal and recycling.

Temple in Naklua.

Participants paraded to raise awareness about the damage being done by plastic and poor recycling effort. Students from Pattaya schools 3 and 7 showed off their projects

to recycle on campus.

The event also featured student performances and exhibits about waste management and garbage separation as well as a temple-wide cleanup. (PCPR)

Born under a bad sign, ‘unlucky’ Chinese-Thais flock to temple Warapun Jaikusol People born in four “unlucky” years of the Chinese zodiac flocked to the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation for new year’s to change their fortunes.

People born during the years of the snake, pig, monkey and pig (2019’s mascot), came to the Chinese-Thai non-profit to buy coffins to donate to dead people without families Jan. 2. The gesture is seen as making merit that wards off bad luck in 2019 for the “unlucky” zodiac signs and pays homage to eight Chinese deities.

The foundation did its part by opening more parking spaces for coffin buyers and performing a “galo” ceremony to ward off bad fortune.

The galo ceremony pays respect to the Tai Sui Ye god of the year, who will shine light on demons from that year to ward off bad luck and

An unidentified woman born in one of four “unlucky” years of the Chinese zodiac buys a coffin at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation to donate to someone deceased without a family and to make merit and ward off bad luck in 2019.

bring prosperity.

According to soothsayers, the chances 2019 will be an unlucky year for people born in the Year of the Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013) are 100 percent.

For those born in the Year of the Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

and 2016) the chances of misfortune are 50 percent, as they are for those born in the YearoftheTiger(1938,1950,1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010).

This year’s odds of bad luck are 75 percent for those born under this year’s zodiac, the pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019).

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Articles For Sale/Rent As611/01-52/ Pattaya Mail Cartoonist Michael Baird (M.J.B.) has 3 brand new cartoon E-Books out. These and his other 10 cartoon EBooks can be bought from www.amazon.co.uk or www. booksmango.com. You will now be able to see all of Mike’s cartoons in FULL COLOUR. His 3 new Kindle

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 21

PATTAYA MAIL

E-Books are “Pattaya Cartoon Memories”, “Ladyboy Book 3” and “Pattaya Unforgettable Memories”. These cartoons are for grown-ups and would be unique gifts.

You never know - You might see yourself in them!

Articles/Services Wanted Aw01/01-52/ Missionary in Rayong sponsoring Little Duck Nursery needs help.

Please - Any unwanted items you have would be appreciated. (Eng) Rev Stephen 086 600 5682, (Thai) 0875 381 586

Businesses for Sale or Rent Bop04/02-03/ Beer Bar for Sale in Jomtien with 9 year lease, no key money. Rent paid till May 2019. 3 large

ensuite letting rooms, kitchen to serve bar food, 1 minute walk to very nice beach. English: 080 520 0261 Price: 1.2 MTB Bop03/01-52/ Spacious Double Shophouse, Thepprasit Road, Soi 5; very good business location; land 240sqm; business space 150sqm; 6 rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 kitchenettes; 2-4 locked parking spaces; partly furnished; 4,900,000 THB or near offer; Joe: 092753 9309, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Bop02/01-52/ Guesthouse in the heart of Pattaya, Thappraya Road; Land: 210Twah (840sqm) and approx. 800sqm business space on 2 floors; 14 rooms; tropical garden; family owned since 30 years; 11,950,000 THB o.n.o.; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info @gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Bop01/01-52/ Big Shophouse; located close Sukhumvit Road / Central Road; commercial space 200sqm; 19,950,000 THB o.n.o.; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@goproperty thailand.com, www.go propertythailand.com

Notices No01/01-10/ Looking for a game of snooker with a retired ex-professional UK snooker player? Tel. Mike on 089 152 3202

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Pets

Pattaya Emergency Numbers

Pets03/01-52/ Homeless puppies available for adoption to warm and caring homes! All puppies are healthy, vaccinated and acclimated to people. If you are looking for a friend for life, just call 088 402 6772 or e-mail to karin@carefordogs.org.

Pattaya Call Center ................................ 1337 Police Station .......................................... 191 - Pattaya ................................................... 038 424 186 - Banglamung ......................................... 038 221 800-1 Highway Police ....................................... 038 392 001 Fire Brigade ............................................. 199 Pat. Int. Hopsital ..................................... 038 428 374-5 Bkk-Pat Hospital ..................................... 038 259 911 TAT Central Office: Region 3 Pattaya . 038 428 750 Tourist Police ......................................... 038 429 371, 1155 . .................................................................. 038 410 044 (FAX)

22 FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

Pets02/01-52/ **Free Cats and Kittens** We are still trying to find loving homes for over 40 cats and kittens.

Please check the pictures on our website or ring Sandra.

Call 085 287 5004 http:/ cats4youinpattaya.webs.com

Property for Rent Houses, Villas Prb07/52-11/ For Rent: Bt.10,900 Per Month, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 A/C, Furnished, Pool, Clean, Beautiful, Soi 53 Nern Plabwan at Soi 45. Tel: 084-351-8254 Prb06/52-03/ TOWNHOUSE, Off Soi Khaotalo, Like new, quiet, safe, two bedroom, one bathroom, patio, carport, Thai kitchen, air-conditioned, FULLY FURNUSHED, Guarded Subdivision, Communal Pool, One Year Lease Minimum, Bt.9,5000. Monthly, Bt.19,000. Security Deposit.

English, 087-805-5276

Condos, Apartments

Read more news at pattayamail.com

Prc218/42-09/ Royal Park Luxury Service Apartments and penthouse suite, Jomtien: starting at 15,000 baht/ month. 56-70sqm, one bedroom, large living area with

balcony and European kitchen, Free internet. Enjoy our rooftop swimming pool. Short walk to the beach. Monthly and daily rentals, Contact 086 111 7414 or check on our website www.royalparkjomtien.com to see why we are number 1 in Jomtien Prc216/52-04/ Pattaya Beach Rd. Soi 13, Studio, Terrace, Kitchenette, Safe box. Penthouse style, pool. Bt. 13,500.

- Tel: 091 504 1806

Property for Sale Houses, Villas Psb32/52-04/ Bargain Pool Villa needs to be viewed. Refurbished very specious, 3 bed 3 baths, huge living room. Separate Euro kitchen and Thai kitchen Luxurious salt water pool with Jacuzzi and remote gate parking for 2 cars. Land 125TW, House 300m2. SP3 village Siam Country Club with excellent security 5.7 M Tel: 083 102 9293, also available for rent 38,000 baht per month.

Psb31/46-08/ House for sale: 1,850,000 Baht. Location in Soi Nernblabwan. Tel: 096 3979541, Line ID: domicil24, Email: duangpee.domicil @gmail.com

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Psb28/01-52/ 5-storey Townhouse in Pratumnak; lobby, 9 rooms and 8 bathrooms; total area 320sqm; big garage; the property was completely restored in 2015; new bathrooms, new rooms, new air-conditioners; new electric wiring; must see!

Great Opportunity! Only 6,200,000 THB; 092- 753 9309, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psb27/01-52/ City Villa in the heart of Pattaya; completely renovated; close to 3rd Road / LK Hotel; in walking distance to Soi Buakhao; 120sqm living space; land approx. 150sqm; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchenette; fully furnished; 2 new Flat TVs; 3 air-cons; big storeroom; garden, carport & parking; NO THROUGH ROAD- very quite; 3,950,000 THB; 092- 753 9309, info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Psb26/01-52/ 3-storey Townhouse located in Pratumnak Hills close to “Royal Cliff Hotel�; living space 200sqm; fully furnished with high quality furniture; living room with dining area, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, guest toilet; 1 European kitchen; terrace; 2 balconies; Jacuzzi bath; 3 aircons; ceiling fan; WiFi access; storage room; carport; very nice and clean place to live; 4,950,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psb25/01-52/ Villa located on Pattaya East Side, only 5 min. from Sukhumvit/Thepprasit Road; Land size 760sqm, living space 350sqm; partly furnished; living room, dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, guest toilet; Jacuzzi; European kitchen, security 24/7; private pool; tropical garden; garage; parking;

VOL. XXVII No. 2

PATTAYA MAIL

made quality furniture; 1 living room; 1 dining room; 3 bedrooms, 3 ensuite bathrooms, guest toilet, 1 kitchen, maid’s house; pool 10m x 5m (salt water); many terraces; security 7/24h; double garage; fully air-conditioned; laundry, pantry, many storerooms; office; SOLAR hot water; double wall and roof insulation; emergency power generator; double glazed insulation windows; 25.000 liter water storage; 35,000,000 THB or best offer; 092- 753 9309, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Condominiums

15,500,000 THB; 092- 753 9309, info@goproperty thailand.com, www.gopro pertythailand.com Psb24/01-52/ Big Villa with 5,200sqm park similar land; located close to Huay Yai Road; living space 650sqm; fully furnished; 1 living/dining room; 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, full European kitchen; terraces; WiFi; private pool 10m x 5m; outdoor shower and toilet; small lake with sala; air-con in all rooms; fitness gym; many storerooms; 85sqm office in separate building; alarm; own well; pantry & laundry room; double garage; automatic gate; 3 BBQ’s; the property is completely walled in: 24,950,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@goproperty thailand.com, www.go propertythailand.com

Psb23/01-52/ 3-storey modern “BAUHAUS-Style Villa” and a wooden “Traditional Thai Style house” on 1 Rai of land located in Pratumnak, Pattaya; 360sqm living space on 3 floors with gallery; Thai house has 100sqm living space; short distance to the beach; both properties are partly furnished; open living room over 2 floors; dining room; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen; terraces; WiFi; storage rooms; private parking; 75,000,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info @gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psb22/01-52/ Big Villa located in a clean & well maintained Resort in East Pattaya, 12 min drive to Sukhumvit Road; quite & peaceful; 1,632sqm land; living space approx. 500sqm; fully furnished with custom

Psc97/01-05/ Jomtien Plaza, 126sqm, Corner unit, high floor, beach views, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies, foreigner owner, 5.95 million (Negotiable) Tel: 094 461 2395 Psc96/01/ The Grass Pattaya Tai, New Condo, 1 bedroom, fully furnished, kitchen, living room, balcony, garden view, 2nd floor, 1.65 million (Negotiable). Tel: 080-776 0602 Psc95/51-02/ Beachfront Condo at Bangsaray Condominium: 150sqm, 2-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, 300m from beach, only 137units in 20 rai of green landscaped surroundings in an exclusive residence. Excellent decoration, fully furnished, TV-LCD 50". Hot Sale 7.9 mil. 4x,xxx baht/ sqm. 081-3358102 (owner), for photos: pitipity@hotmail. com, Line: piti.t Psc93/50-02/ Urban Downtown Luxury Residence: for Sale/Rent. Pool view, 2 bedroom, 87-sqm, 2 Balconies, 4th Floor Corner unit behind Avenue Mall, Soi 15,

near Walking Street, Royal Garden, Central Mall, Sale price: 6,500,000 baht, Rent: 35,000 baht a month.

Phone: 084 820 3979 Email: JLKBEACH@MAC.COM Psc90/46-08/ Condo for sale: 750,000 Baht. Location in Soi Nernblabwan. Tel: 096 397 9541, Line ID: domicil24, Email: duangpee.domicil@ gmail.com Psc88/45-02/ PRATAMNAK, 2-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, Brand New! Sale: 3 Million Baht. High Floor, Includes furniture and appliances. Foreign name. Tel. 064 723-9972 Psc80/01-52/ City-Studio Jomtien VIEW TALAY 1; 6th floor; living space 32sqm; 500m to the beach; fully furnished; 1 living-bedroom; 1 bathroom; kitchen; balcony; WiFi; security 7/24h; community pool; parking; restaurants, bars, supermarket 24h, laundry in the building; directly located at the 10-Baht-Taxi route and Shuttle Bus to Airport BKK; 1,250,000 THB; (or rent 7,900 THB) 092- 753 9309,. info@ gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psc79/01-52/ Studio on the beach in Pratumnak, 50sqm, totally quite & peaceful, fully furnished; private access to the beach; big sea view terrace; 1 living-bedroom, 1 bathroom, full kitchen; washing machine; security 7/24h; community pool on beachfront; restaurant on pool side, park-

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 23

ing; supermarket and laundry; 2,450,000 THB; (or rent 12,500 THB) 092 7539309, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psc76/01-52/ Seaview Apartment in Pattaya, Pratumnak Hills with 2 bedrooms, 11th floor; 3 balconies; living space 101sqm; fully furnished; living room; 2 bathrooms, 1 European kitchen; 2 new air-conditioners, ceiling fans; double security door, security 7/24h; fitness gym; sauna; steam room; community pool; parking; restaurants, bars, supermarket, laundry; 7,495,000 THB; Go Property Thailand; 093 161 5995, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com Psc74/01-52/ Studio located close to Pattaya Beach and “Rhompo Night Market”, Jomtien 2nd road, living space 47sqm, fully furnished, 1 living/bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchenette, terrace, WiFi, Security 7/24h, fitness gym, community pool, garage, “10 Baht Taxi Route”, supermarket, laundry close by: 1,600,000 THB; GO PROPERTY THAILAND 093 -161 5995, info@gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Land for Sale P03/01-05/ Land - House Condo – Commercial for sale & rent in Bang Saray.

Tel. 092-472-5743 (Adam), www.bangsarayarea.com

P02/01-52/ Land is located close to Chaiyaprueck Road 2, 629sqm (17m x 37m); completely walled inn with a 3m high wall; 13,000 liter water deposit; own well; 2,950,000 THB or best offer; 092- 753 9309, info @gopropertythailand.com, www.gopropertythailand.com

Services Provided Sp02/02/ PLANS DRAWN: Design & Construction, Condo Remodeling 085-083-4221 Sp01/01-05/ House and pool builders - renovations - 092-4725743 - www.handyman.in.th

Staff Wanted Sw01/51-03/ Experienced Freelance Internet Sales Person required: Must speak English, to market solar systems and industrial products from stock held in Rayong warehouse. This position is available on a 10% commission basis only.

Contact Mr. Lee 08-61548605

Vehicles for Sale & Rent Vc02/52/ Jay’s Rent A Car: Toyota’s & Honda’s. All top of the range, for your safety all serviced by Toyota/Honda, all have A.B.S./airbags + 1st class rental Insurance. Rent the best. Please ring for details: (Thai) 084-865-5102 or (Eng) 085-283-4915

Read Pattaya Mail Online Updated Daily www.pattayamail.com | Facebook/pattayamail Email: ptymail@pattayamail.com

24 FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Mashiter gets the medal PSC Golf from The Bunker Boys Monday, Dec. 31, Pattavia – Stableford 1st Neil Jones (23) 36pts 2nd Keith Hemmings (22) 36pts 3rd Neil Griffin (24) 35pts 4th John Hughes (22) 35pts 5th Stuart Tinkler (14) 35pts The last game of the year was played at the Pattavia course with a field of twentytwo golfers in attendance.

The course was crowded so a very slow round was had and it seemed to affect the low handicap players more than the high as four of the top five were from the latter group.

Neil Jones scored his maiden victory with thirty-six points, beating the sartorially splendid Keith Hemmings on countback. Neil Griffin put in a solid performance to take

third on countback from John Hughes in fourth and Stuart Tinkler fifth, all on thirty-five points.

The Neils (Jones and Carter) were again in the near pins with Alan Sullivan and Michael Brett taking the remaining two, in fact, Neil Carter came within a whisker of a second ace for the month.

In a very hotly contested race for golfer of the month, Neil Carter, Keith Norman, Jimmy Carr, and Michael Brett all had a shot at winning, however, none improved their standing which left Jimmy and Michael in a tie on two hundred and thirteen points and had to be separated by going back to the seventh highest score

Read Pattaya Mail Online Updated Daily www.pattayamail.com | Facebook/pattayamail Email: ptymail@pattayamail.com

Double tops for Daryl PSC Golf from Café Kronborg

Phil Mashiter.

Jimmy Carr.

which Jimmy shaded by a single point so he won his third golfer of the month for the year equaling Colin Greig also with three wins.

sunny skies on a course always in top shape. The wind was strong again and the pace of play very slow. The greens were a delight to putt on but despite that Tony Robbins, normally a dead eye dick on the greens, three-putted four times.

It was also the first game under the new rules and many were used, not always to good effect. Colin Greig took relief from a footprint in a bunker and dropped within the bunker only to create a fried egg lie worse than the original position.

Wednesday, Jan. 2, Khao Kheow A & B – Stableford 1st Les Humphrey (27) 36pts 2nd Dave Ashman (19) 36pts 3rd Paul Lanzetta (9) 35pts 4th Peter Kelly (11) 35pts 5th Sandor Roth (33) 33pts The first game of a new year was played at the universally popular Khao Kheow Country Club under

Once again three out of five in the winner’s circle were high handicap players so our one flight policy is working well. Top of the pile was Les Humphrey on thirty-six, beating Dave Ashman on countback. Third and fourth place getters Paul Lanzetta and Peter Kelly were locked on thirty-five, with Sander Roth making his first appearance in the winner’s circle on thirty-three points.

Mark Stanley took two near pins with Paul Lanzetta and Michael Brett taking one each.

Friday, Jan. 4, Crystal Bay B & C – Medal 1st Phil Mashiter (7) net 68 2nd Ken Elmore (20) net 71 3rd Keith Norman (14) net 72 4th Geoff Parker (15) net 73 Our medal round for the month was played at the Crystal Bay course which was in its worse condition seen for a long time. Dead or blown down trees remain in situ throughout and in general it looked untidy and neglected and made worse by

the irrigation system which seems to have failed in several areas. Sodden areas and casual water could be found on most fairways.

Phil Mashiter was the star of the day with a net sixtyeight, a very fine score indeed off a seven handicap.

Ken Elmore broke through for his first visit to the winner’s circle with a well-compiled seventy-one. Keith Norman took third a stroke back while Geoff Parker brought up the rear with seventy-three.

It was demoralising to follow Phil around and see him close on the near pins, he managed to snag two with Tony Robbins and Peter Kelly taking the other two.

The search for a new home begins in earnest now that the festive season is behind us. Any centrally located bar with a desire to host a friendly golf society to grow their business should make their intentions known to a committee member or at the M Club.

Buchanan ends the year in style PSC Golf from The Growling Swan Monday, Dec. 31, Pleasant Valley Stableford

Peter Hammond (left) with Dave Richardson (centre) and Daryl Evans.

Thursday, Jan. 3, Pleasant Valley (white tees) – Stableford A Flight (0-22) 1st Daryl Evans (22) 37pts 2nd Brian Gabe (17) 35pts 3rd Rob Brown (7) 35pts B Flight (23+) 1st Peter Hammond (30) 38pts 2nd Kurt Sandgaard (32) 32pts 3rd Dal Pastro (23) 23pts AsmallgroupofCafeKronborg golfers played today at the “windmill” course. Although our hearts were yearning the windmill did not keep on turning - and in fact it did not move at all - but this did not prevent Daryl Evans from winning again.

Th e p r e v i o u s w e e k Daryl won the ‘B’ Flight at Pattavia but today he stepped up to the plate and won the ‘A’ Flight by two shots, leaving the ‘B’ Flight to Peter Hammond who won by six shots.

This was our first outing this year playing under the new golf rules. We welcomed grounding our clubs in old fashioned hazards and hitting ourselves with the ball without penalty - but there were a few moans and groans having to bend down and look ridiculous when dropping a ball from knee height- and understanding that a penalty area really does relate to golf.

We were playing Pleasant Valley today the course was in good condition with cut fairways, greens that ran true and the bunkers clean and raked. The weather played in the golfers’ favor with a breeze for the first nine and cloud cover for the second making things rather enjoyable.

Today’s winner was Keith Buchanan returning with a very good of 42 points. We only had the one placing but we did include all the novelties with the near pins going to Mark Stapleton (x2), and Keith Buchanan, and the long putts snared by Keith Buchanan and Dave Maw.

Thursday, Jan. 3, Treasure Hill Stableford 1st Anthony Cook (28) 39pts 2nd Mark Stapleton (18) 39pts 3rd Colin Stielow (25) 39pts 4th J.C Lhoste (27) 37pts

Keith Buchanan (from left) with Colin Stielow, Shane Young, Allan Ray, Mark Stapleton, Dave Maw and JC Lhoste.

Near Pins: Tony Cook, Mark Stapleton, Steve Younger, Stu Mann.

Long Putts: Dave Maw, Mashi Kaneta.

Nineteen golfers committed to have a crack at Treasure Hill today. What a great course this is and one would have to say what a great price too.

The layout was in good condition, as you would

expect nothing less from this venue. Fairways were in great shape, the greens played true but a little fast, and all the bunkers were clean and raked. We went from the yellow tees which may have been a little short on the day, but you don’t know until you have a go.

It turned out to be a log-jam at the top of the leader board

after three golfers returned with the same scores, but our trusty countback system sorted it all out. All three returned with 39 points but it was Tony Cook that took the honors ahead of Mark Stapleton in second and Colin Stielow third. In fourth place was JC Lhoste only 2 shots behind the pack, JC edging Allan Ray on another countback.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 25

PATTAYA MAIL

Sleeping giant Lanzetta awakes Traveller’s Rest Golf Group Monday, Dec. 31, Khao Kheow Stableford 1st Lawrence Lee (16) 39pts 2nd Kim Seung-Hwan (14) 37pts 3rd Rocky Jones (05) 35pts At Khao Kheow on Monday, Lawrence Lee took full advantage of being moved up to the veterans tee box and scored a solid 39 points off his new handicap of 16.

Casting no aspersions on Lawrence, we can assure everyone his handicap will be investigated.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, Green Valley – Stableford 1st Sejichi Hasegawa (16) 41pts 2nd Rocky Jones (5) 40pts 3rd Ross Luchterhand (19) 38pts New Year’s Day and a surprising number of golfers turned up to take on the Green Valley course. Some amazing scores were recorded even though more than half the field were still recovering from the night before. It seems Mr. Hasagawa stayed of the “saki” as he posted an incredible 41 points to take first place in the first competition of 2019.

Wednesday, Jan. 2, Pattana – Stableford 1st Alan Thomas (7) 38pts 2nd Takeguchi Seiki (18) 37pts 3rd Dave Osbourne (18) 32pts

Paul Lanzetta.

Pattana is a course where the low handicaps seem to do well and the high handicappers struggle, and today was no exception. With all but one of the par 3’s requiring pin point accuracy and the well protected pin positions making most holes a challenge, it takes a competent golfer to manage to score well. Today’s only single figure handicap, Alan Thomas rose to the top with a magnificent round of 38 points to take the honours.

Thursday, Jan. 3, Phoenix Gold – Stableford Division 1 1st Paul Lanzetta (9) 44pts 2nd Lawrence Lee (15) 39pts 3rd Arnold Jones (15) 38pts

Lee Kwang-Jai.

Division 2 1st Eun Suk-Choi (18) 37pts 2nd John T Welch (36) 36pts 3rd Ari Yokoyama (23) 32pts Phoenix was the venue today and required our first two flights for 2019. Once again our Korean friends were dominating division two where Eun Suk-Choi scored an impressive 38 points to secure first place. In division one the “Sleeping Giant” Paul Lanzetta finally awoke and after wiping the first hole went on to annihilate the course with an awesome 44 points, which was five shots clear of his closest rival.

Friday, Jan. 4, Burapha – Stableford Division 1 1st Paul Lanzetta (8) 44pts

Sullivan shines at Pleasant Valley PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group Friday, Jan 4, Pleasant Valley – Stableford The Tropical golfers started out the year at Pleasant Valley, and 25 were recovered enough from New Year celebrations to make the trip.

Pleasant Valley is one of those courses that if asked beforehand, you might say it’s not that hard. Then when you play it reality sets in, and how. Many fairways are narrow, there are plenty of out-of-bounds (remember the new rule!), the jungle is close at hand, and the back nine greens are sloped enough to make one think they are at Pattavia. Overall course condition is good. Pleasant Valley is often fully booked so be prepared for a slow day sometimes.

In the A-Flight (0-14), Alan Sullivan (hcp 14) had the best score of the day with a magnificent 40 points. Ever-present Mashi Kaneta (14) took a countback over Steve Truelove (7) at the 33 point mark, and Rob Brown (7) was in the thick of the action as usual with 32 points.

Brian Gabe (17) took B-Flight (15-22) honours thanks to a strong finish over Tom Herrington (15), both with 34 points. Joe S. (22) then did the same to Mike O’Brien (21) to take third, each a point back with 33.

Alan Sullivan.

In C-Flight (23+), Barry Elphick (27) used some fine putting to take the flight with an impressive 37 points. Barry was chased by Frank Xin (23) with a handicap tying 36 points and in a countback for third, Dave Cooper (23) edged out Graham Buckingham (24), both with a fine 35 points.

Best nines (non-winners) came from Andre Van Dyk and Karen Brown.

2nd Kevin Labar (12) 37pts 3rd Claus Krogsgaard (9) 37pts Division 2 1st Lee Kwang-Jai (16) 40pts

2nd Lawrence Lee (15) 36pts 3rd Peter Williamson (16) 35pts Division 3 1st Eub Suk-Choi (18) 38pts 2nd Keith Seddon (30) 37pts 3 rd Ho Yong-Wang (25) 37pts Friday’s turnout of fortyeight players at Burapha required three divisions to divide up the prize money.

In division three, a name that’s featured regularly this week, Eun Suk-Choi took the line honours with a respectable 38 points and drew the attention of the handicap committee. In division two it was Lee KwangJai who eclipsed his fellow playing partners and posted a solid 40 points to secure

first place but division ones winner, Paul Lanzetta was not going to be outdone, with back to back scores of 44 points he easily took the number one spot, this time beating his nearest rival by an incredible seven shots.

Saturday, Jan. 5, Mt. Shadow Stableford 1st Sj Noh (16) 36pts 2nd Danny Ford (10) 32pts 3rd Jack Watkins (12) 31pts We finished the week at Mountain Shadow where only one person played to their handicap and that person was Sj Noh, who swept the prize pool and recorded the only ‘2’ on the day as well.

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Merriman in hot form The Tara Court Golf Society Sunday, Dec. 30, Green Valley Stableford We had our last game of golf today for 2018 and appropriately it was here at Green Valley where we play the most golf every year.

There was some very heavy rain the day before but the course was dry and in very good condition.

Again we had two flights with the cut for the A flight being lower today at fourteen. We also had some very good scores for our last game with Shaun Merriman (H/cap 13) winning the A flight with an excellent forty points, which will mean another reduction on his handicap. Jerry Sweetnam (10) also had a good end to the year and came second with thirty nine points while Stuart Brown (7) was third with thirty seven and Nick Caulfield (6) fourth on thirty six.

In the B flight Michael Healy (15), who was playing his last game for this trip, came out the winner with thirty eight points ahead of Evelyn McNamara (24) in second on thirty four. Ritchie Martin (30) came third with thirty one points and Peter Wallace (20) placed fourth with thirty, beating Pat Carty on countback.

Declan Kelly came out the biggest winner as he had the only ‘2’ of the day.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, Pattaya C.C. Stableford The first game of the new year took place at Pattaya Country Club where the course was in fair condition

Shaun Merriman.

Ted Morris.

but some of the fairways were a bit patchy. There was also a fairly stiff breeze to make the course a little more difficult.

We had 2 divisions again today with the cut at 16 and under for the better players.

Shaun Merriman (13) continued his recent good form to shoot the best round with 38 points and win the A flight easily. Craig Hitchens (12) let it slip over the last 3 holes but still got second place on 34 points while third went to Jerry Sweetnam (10) with 33.

B flight was won by Joe MCardle (17) with 35 points, Russell Gilroy (17) was second on 34 and Pat Carty (23) rounded out the places with 31 points for third.

The par 3’s while not easy on this course were beaten today as we had five ‘2’s, going to George Cullen (x 2), Pat Carty, Sean McNamara and John Chambers.

for golf at Khao Kheow where we played the A and B nines in that order and off the longer yellow tees. Needless to say, the course won as none of our golfers managed to play to their handicaps.

Our best scores today came in the B flight where Pat Carty (23) won with thirty five points. Larry Eden (21) was playing his first game for this trip and he also had thirty five but he lost the countback to Pat and had to settle for second. We then had three players with thirty four points and here Joe Peters (24) had an excellent twenty-one on the back nine and edged out both Ritchie Martin and Avrill Wildsmith.

Ted Morris (17) came out on top in the A flight with thirty-three points while Nick Caulfield (6) took second on thirty-two, beating Sean McNamara (16) on countback.

We had four ‘2’s today, from Russell Gilroy, Ted Morris, Larry Eden and Sean Hallahan.

Thursday, Jan. 3, Khao Kheow Stableford Today was a beautiful day

26 FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Akira does the double, bags an ace PSC Golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society Monday, Dec. 31, Burapha Stableford A-Flight (0–15) 1st Pete Seil (5) 33pts 2nd Maurice Roberts (13) 33pts 3rd Colin Smith (14) 32pts B-Flight (16+) 1st Gavin McDonald (18) 35pts 2nd Wayne Peppernell (16) 34pts 3rd Ralph McConnell (18) 33pts The society drew the curtain on its most successful year ever with a trip to Burapha on New Year’s Eve to play a competition on the testing C and D nines. The combination has not the sumptuous quality of the A/ B nines and is a more arduous test with its changes of elevation and punitive rough, but the lads were up for it.

The field of 29 was divided into two flights at fifteen and under and the fine weather and light breeze helped the golfers enjoy the round. In the top flight Maurice Roberts (33 points) was relegated to second place on countback by Pete Seil (33 points). In third was Colin Smith with 32 points.

The second flight scores were similar with Ralph McConnel taking third place

Akira Sekiya (center) with Iain Craigen (left) and Mitchell Carlon.

with 33 points, in second was Wayne Peppernell with 34 and the winner was Gavin McDonald, tasting success in his final round this trip, with 35 points. The green jacket was a warm memory for him to take back to a cold and miserable England, and work!

Near pins went to Pete Seil, Rod Baker, Paul Walia and Adria n A s p b u r y w h i l e consolation ‘best nines’ were recorded by Soichiro Nakano (18pts) and Stuart Thompson (16pts).

Monday, Jan. 2, Mt. Shadow - Stableford A Flight (0-15) 1st Akira Sekiya (12) 37pts

2nd Phil Davies (11) 34pts 3rd Maurice Roberts (13) 32pts 4th Michael Wright (10) 30pts B Flight (16+) 1st Colin Service (16) 29pts 2nd Derek Phillips (18) 28pts 3rd Mike Tottenham (19) 27pts Thirty-one players headed for Mt. Shadow golf course for the second time in about three weeks. The report from the earlier trip showed some disappointments at the condition of the course and of the clubhouse. Nothing has changed, unfortunately.

Akira Sekiya came to play with us today for the first time and certainly left an impression. His 37 points easily

Gavin McDonald.

won “A” flight and his first Green Jacket. The dynamic duo of Phil Davies and Maurice Roberts followed with 34 and 32 points respectively, while fourth place went to one half of the Links Matchplay champs, Michael Wright, with 30 points.

Apart from the first four, most players struggled as the best that “B” flight could muster was 29 points from Colin Service, while Derek Phillips got back into the placings, albeit with 28 points, and Mike Tottenham filled third spot.

The “best nines” followed the trend with very low scores, but good enough for

Kelly shines brightest at Eastern Star The Jomtien Golf Society Monday, Dec. 31, Parichat - Stableford We were off the white tees today with the equal cut at 6-15 and 19+ in the two divisions.

Thirty-three points was the winning score for both divisions and in the top flight Ian Speirs beat Mark R o b e r t s o n on a 17/14 countback while Rob Brown took third on 32 and in fourth place Brian Keating beat Ron Miller on a 14/11 back nine countback after they both came in with 30 points.

Bruce Gardner was yet again the winner in division 2 ahead of Leo Adam in second place on 30 points and John Seton beat Alan Bissell on a countback for third after both posted scores of 29.

Near pins went to (Div 1) Rob Brown (2), Mark Robertson and Harry Vincenzi, and (Div 2) Leo Adam, Jerry McCarthy and John Seton.

Brian Keating birdied the 11th and Harry Vincenzi the 2nd for the only ‘2’s of the day.

Frank Kelly.

Wednesday, Jan. 2, Crystal Bay Stableford Complete chaos today as we arrived at the Mountain Shadow clubhouse as there was no booking for us and we were not down to play, so seven groups moved over to Crystal l Bay instead.

The course was in reasonable condition with the front nine B course having very slick greens but on the backnine some of the putting surfaces were very slow.

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Bruce Gardner won the B flight with 38 points while John Carlin beat Lars Strom countback for second at the 37 point mark and Jerry McCarthy was fourth with 35.

Paul Butler topped the premier division with 36 points, Harry Vincenzi, with a 17/16 countback, beat Pete Sumner for second after two 34pointers came in, and in fourth place there were four contenders but Mark Robertson’s back-nine edged the best efforts of Ian Speirs, Brian Keating and Ron Miller.

Near pins were claimed by (Div 1) John Chambers, Ron Miller and Dennis Scougall, and (Div 2) Bruce Gardner, Conrad and Jerry McCarthy.

Jerry McCarthy was also happy with a ‘2’ on C7 to scoop the division 2 pot and in division 1 the spoils were shared by John Chambers, Ron Miller and Harry Vincenzi.

Friday, Jan. 4, Eastern Star Stableford With ten groups out the cut today was set at 9-16, 17-21 and 22 plus in the three divisions. With some very

slick greens and wicked pin placements, which we had never experienced here before, there was only one score over 35 points coming from the 40 players.

Frank Kelly posted it to win division 2 with 39 points while John Carlin took second after beating Bruce Gardner on a 13/12 countback, both on 31 points. Conrad placed fourth, beating Colin Aspinall 19/14 after two 29’s were returned.

In division 1 Brian Keating was the winner with 35 points, Ian Speirs was second on 33, the mad dentist took third with 32 and Pete Sumner finished fourth on 31 points.

Louis Wong topped division 3 with 35 points, Glyn Evans came in second with 34, Ron Lavette was third on 29 and Andres van De Laan took fourth with 28 points, playing off the red tees for the last time.

Near pins went to (Div 1) John Hughes, Mark Robertson and Harry Vincenzi, and (Div 2) Horst Starchl, Volker Suhr and Louis Wong.

No ‘2’s in either division today.

Will Brown (14pts) and John Collias (16pts).

Near Pins went to Mitchell Carlon, John Doyle, Phil Davies and Pete Seil.

Friday, Jan. 4, The Emerald Stableford A Flight (0-15) 1st Akira Sekiya (12) 41pts 2nd John Collias (12) 39pts 3rd Maurice Roberts (13) 36pts 4th Stan Stewart (15) 35pts B Flight (16+) 1st Richard Dobson (26) 36pts 2nd Donal McGuigan (19) 35pts 3rd Niall Caven (18) 33pts 4th Larry Slattery (19) 32pts The society visited Emerald on Friday to play a stableford competition on the course which was in better condition than on the previous visit. Fairways had a better covering of grass, the rough was cut back and greens

were very “sporting” with pins placed on or near the many slopes and putts running at a good pace.

Thirty-nine golfers made up the field which was divided into two flights at fifteen and under and generally scores were low as the course is always a tough call.

In the second flight Larry Slattery made fourth place with 32 points, one behind Niall Caven on 33. In second was Irish golfer Donal McGuigan with 35 points whilst Richard Dobson was delighted to take the win on his return round with 36 points.

In the top flight Stan Stewart continued his fine form with 35 points, edging out Colin Smith on countback for fourth place, a couple behind Maurice Roberts whose consistency gave him yet another pink envelope. American golfer John Collias finally came good with 39 points for second place whilst Wednesday’s winner Akira Sekiya took his second consecutive Green Jacket with 41 points.

Akira also had the honour of recording the seventeenth PLGS official competition hole-in-one, on the testing fifth hole.

Thai lady golfer Panda Aree won the consolation best front nine award for her twenty point score and was joined by John Doyle with 19 points on the back nine.

Near pins were claimed by Akira Sekiya, John Harrison, Akira Sekiya and Michael Wright.

Hayes does it again PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Pattaya Monday, Dec. 31, King Naga Stableford We finished 2018 at King Naga G.C. with 3 groups playing. The course was in good condition, but the tough grass around the greens and fairways made it not easy. It was a nice sunny day and a good finish to the year.

Paddy Devereux was not one to stop on the last day of the year and played consistently to win with 38 stableford points. Stan Rees signed for 34 points in second place and Peter Pendlebury was third with 32.

The near pins went to Stan Rees and Paddy Devereux.

Thursday, Jan. 3, Pattavia - Stableford We started the new year at Pattavia with 4 groups on a course in very good condition. It was clear today that

Martin Hayes.

some of us wanted to start with a good score and Martin Hayes, who usually wins on his return from the UK, did it again and took the honours with 43 points.

Neil Harvey followed him well and came second with 42 points while Dave Smith, also just back, was third with 39.

The near pins were claimed

by Peter Pendlebury, Bob Edwards, Martin Hayes and Paddy Devereux.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 27

PATTAYA MAIL

Nu sets the pace at Green Valley PSC Golf from the Billabong Bar Monday, Dec. 31, Phoenix Gold Stableford Phoenix today and a hard day at the office it was for most of the golfers, with only 3 out of 16 managing to score 30 points or more.

It wasn’t down to the condition of the course which was in great shape although packed for the holiday with all 3 nines full to the brim.

The marshals did a good job and a 4 and a bit hour round ensued at a leisurely pace of play.

Coming in third today was Colonel Bob with a net 30 points, second went to Paul Greenaway with 31 and taking the top spot was Glyn Davies with a fine 37 points.

There were only two ‘2’s, coming from Paul Greenaway and Glyn Davies.

Wednesday, Jan. 2, Green Valley – Stableford There are many changes for the regular golfer to consider with 30 plus amendments to the rules of golf, in effect from Jan. 1. At

DATE:

Miss Pin and Miss Nu.

the Billabong the burning question presenting a major problem to golfers both young and old, was whether they should leave the flag in the hole or not. A problem that could possibly result in many sleepless nights!

A strong but pleasantly cool wind kept the scoring to realistic levels today with only one lady playing below her handicap.

Miss Eng (H/cap 17) had a good outward trip with 21

FRI 11

Apple’s Irish

Pleasant Valley

Bunker Boys

The Emerald

SAT 12

points but 5 points on the last 5 holes placed her in fourth place, losing out to Miss Porn (21) who did the reverse with 21 points coming home for 34 overall. Miss Pin (10) was excited on the 10th with 21 points under her belt but 4 double-bogies gave her 15 points on the back for 36 points and second place. Miss Nu, a regular visitor to the podium recently, scooped the pool with 37 points despite 4

SUN 13

Le Katai

Seven groups lined up to play Burapha’s A & B loops and while the place was packed, the course itself was in great condition.

The new rules are something of an enigma with a lot of golfers interpreting them differently, but I guess it will

MON 14

TUE 15

WED 16 Royal Lakeside

Green Valley

Burapha

Burapha

Phoenix

Pleasant Valley

Greenwood

Siam Old Course

The Links

Pleasant Valley

FRI 18 Pattavia

Plutaluang Bangpakong

Parichat

Lewinski’s

THU 17

Treasure Hill

Treasure Hill Greenwood

between Brett Gale who took fourth spot, Paul Greenaway in third and Bob Pearce second, all with 37 points. Top of the tree was Dougie Crowe with 39 points off his 9 handicap.

There were three ‘2’s, coming from Sandy Chapo, Miss Phin and Rick Culley.

Friday, Jan. 4, Burapha Stableford

Mt.Shadow

Growling Swan Billabong Golf

sort itself out eventually in the meantime we will all just have to be patient and discuss any problems with the changes sensibly between the players.

The scoring was very good today with a countback settling the minor places

Greenwood

Cafe Kronborg Colin’s Golf

doubles on the way home.

Barry Copeskate (14) could not believe his good fortune with birdies on the first two holes which helped him to 22 points on the first nine, but the wheels fell off thereafter and with only 13 points on the return journey and he occupied fourth place. Peter Thomas (17) again lost on a countback with 37 points with only 2 points on three holes being the culprit.

Mikael Anderson (15) edged Peter out of second place but the consistent Wayne Cotterell (13) did it again with 39 points to win the day.

Only three ‘2’s we recorded today, coming from William Macey, Peter Thomas and William Peach.

Crystal Bay Greenwood

Green Valley Crystal Bay

Pattavia

Burapha Mt.Shadow

Pleasant Valley Siam Old Course

Burapha

Treasure Hill

Greenwood

I Rovers Retox Game On

K.Kheow/Pattaya CC Treasure Hill

Pattavia/Mt.Shadow G’wood/R.Lakeside P.V./Pattaya CC

Siam Country

Treasure Hill

Sugar Shack

Khao Kheow

Mt. Shadow

Harry’s Golf

Pattaya C.C.

Khao Kheow

King Naga

Green Valley

Pattana

The Golf Club

Pattavia

K.Kheow/T.Hill

King Naga Pattaya C.C. Royal Lakeside

Greenwood Plutaluang

Pattaya C.C.

Treasure Hill

Green Valley

The Players Lounge Tropical Golf

C.Bay/Pattaya CC

Crystal Bay

Khao Kheow

Greenwood

Valley View Hackers

Green Valley

Green Valley

Green Valley

Outback Golf Bar

Green Valley

Burapha

The Emerald

Green Valley Laem Chabang

Green Valley

The Bunker Boys meet at the M-Club off Pattaya 3rd Road for golf outings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (www.bunkersociety.com). Transportation leaves from Cafe Kronborg on Soi Diana Inn at 8:15 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, (contact Dave on tel. 038 602 2117). Colin’s Bar plays golf Sun/Mon/Wed & Fri (www.colinsbar.com). The Growling Swan plays golf on Monday & Thursday (www.thegrowlingswan.com). Lewinski’s in Soi Pattayaland 1 (Soi 13/3), now have a new schedule, 5 days per week Monday thru Friday. Transport is available everyday, call Jack on 0815781956 for further information and booking. The Pattaya Links Hotel Golf Society departs from Soi Buakhao on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call Phil on 0625 933 380 or visit www.thelinkshotelpattaya.com. The Golf Club is located on Soij LK Metro. Call Phil on 090 769 3778. Tropical Golf meets at BJ’s Holiday Lodge at 8am on Tuesday’ & Friday. Call Derek on 089 034 0629

28 FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019

Nishikori, Pliskova win Brisbane International titles

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXVII No. 2

Rivers versus Brady in divisional round of NFL playoffs Jay Cohen

Kei Nishikori of Japan plays a shot during his final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 6. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

Brisbane, Australia (AP) — Kei Nishikori won his first ATP title since Memphis in 2016 with a dominating final set to beat Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in the Brisbane International final last Sunday.

The 2014 U.S. Open finalist served for the match at 5-1 in the third set, but Medvedev earned a temporary reprieve when he broke the Japanese player’s serve to extend the match.

But Nishikori, who had lost nine consecutive ATP finals over 52 tournaments in nearly three years, broke the Russian player’s serve on four consecutive points in the final game to clinch the match in just 2 hours, 6 minutes, at

Pat Rafter Arena.

Earlier, Karolina Pliskova won her second Brisbane title, beating Lesia Tsurenko 4-6, 7-5, 62 after coming within just two points of defeat.

Serving for the title at 5-4 Sunday, Tsurenko lost 13 straight points. It came after Tsurenko rolled her ankle in the second game of the deciding set.

Tsurenko was 4-0 in her previous WTA finals. Pliskova won her first Brisbane title two years ago.

Pliskova improved her record in Brisbane to 13-2 and joined Victoria Azarenka (2009, 2016) and Serena Williams (201314) as the third woman to win the tournament twice.

Al-Attiyah wins opening stage of Dakar Rally in Peru

Chicago (AP) — Philip Rivers has come up empty against Tom Brady every time.

He gets another shot this coming weekend.

Rivers directed the Los Angeles Chargers to a 23-17 playoff victory at Baltimore last Sunday, setting up another high-stakes matchup with Brady and the New England Patriots. For all of Rivers’ success during his 15 years in the NFL, he is winless in seven career starts against Brady.

“To get an opportunity again to go against them, 11 years after we had the opportunity in the 2007 season, yeah, it’s awesome,” Rivers said. “Looking forward to it.”

The reigning Super Bowl champions are still in the mix after Nick Foles threw a 2yard touchdown pass to Golden Tate on fourth down with 56 seconds left, sending the Philadelphia Eagles to a 16-15 victory over the NFC North champion Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Cody Parkey had a look at a potential winning field goal for Chicago, but his 43-yard try with 10 seconds remaining went off the left upright and then the crossbar.

Parkey bent over after the miss as the Eagles celebrated and Bears coach Matt Nagy looked on in disbelief.

“That’s playoff football right there for you,” Tate

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (left) runs near Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin during the second half of the NFC wild-card NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 5. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

said. “That’s why we play this game, for times like now once you get to January and February.”

Next up for Foles and Philadelphia (10-7) is a trip to New Orleans to face Drew Brees and the top-seeded Saints (13-3).

The Eagles also visited the Big Easy on Nov. 18 and struggled mightily against Brees and company in a 48-7 loss.

“It wasn’t very good the first time,” coach Doug Pederson said. “We’ll take a look at that film. We’ll take a look at this one. I think we’re a different football team now than we were then, and you know, we’ve just got to put a good plan together in all three phases.”

Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts (11-6) take on Patrick Mahomes and the

Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) in the first divisional playoff game this coming Saturday, and then Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott lead the Dallas Cowboys (11-6) into Los Angeles to take on Todd Gurley and the Rams (13-3).

The Chargers (13-4) visit the Patriots (11-5) on Sunday, followed by the Eagles’ return to New Orleans.

Luck threw for 222 yards and a touchdown and Marlon Mack rushed for 148 yards in the Colts’ 21-7 victory at Houston last Saturday. Prescott passed for a TD and ran for another score to help the Cowboys top the

Seattle Seahawks 24-22 in their first-round matchup.

“It’s really just a chance to keep going on, simple as that,” Prescott said. “Me and this whole team, we want to win it all. You can’t do that without taking care of the first one. A lot of excitement, but my goal is bigger than just one playoff win.”

The 37-year-old Rivers beat New England in 2008, but that was with Matt Cassel starting at quarterback for the Patriots while Brady was injured. Rivers went up against New England for the first time in the playoffs after the 2006 season, tossing an interception in a 24-21 loss to the visiting Patriots.

The star QBs also squared off in the postseason in 2008.

Playing with a torn knee ligament, Rivers threw two more picks in a 21-12 loss at New England.

“Obviously, we’ve got to worry about that defense.

It’s a Bill Belichick-led team and defense,” Rivers said.

“I’m not playing Tom by any means. But is it special to go to New England against a Hall of Fame coach and arguably the best quarterback ever to play and get another shot at ‘em? Heck, yeah.

Heck, yeah, it is special.”

Arsenal drawn against Man United in FA Cup 4th round Joan Barreda of Spain rides his Honda motorbike during the first stage of the Dakar Rally between Lima and Pisco, Peru, Monday, Jan. 7. (AP Photo/ Ricardo Mazalan)

Lima, Peru (AP) — Nasser Al-Attiyah made a great start to winning a third Dakar Rally title when he won the opening stage by almost two minutes on Monday.

Al-Attiyah made light work of the 84-kilometer special on the dunes around Pisco along the Pacific coast.

He led by 38 seconds at the first marker, and by 45 seconds at the halfway point.

Defending champion Carlos Sainz, another two-time winner, was second.

Jakub Przygonski was third.

The overall champion of the Cross-country Rallies World Cup is trying to become the first Polish winner of the Dakar.

Seven-time winner Stephane Peterhansel was three minutes back in seventh, and Sebastien Loeb was more than six minutes back.

Joan Barreda showed the focus of his buildup on being fit paid off when he won first motorbike stage by a minute from Pablo Quintanilla.

Barreda’s Honda teammate, Ricky Brabec, was third.

Barreda had to withdraw last year on the 11th stage while lying second overall because of knee and hand injuries.

This Dakar has been reduced to a 10-stage race on Peruvian sand, finishing in Lima on Jan. 17.

London (AP) — Arsenal have been drawn at home to Manchester United in the pick of the fourth-round matches in the FA Cup. In other all-English Premier League matchups in Monday’s draw, Crystal Palace host Tottenham, and Manchester City will be at home to Burnley.

Titleholders Chelsea were given a home game against one of two lower-league teams, Sheffield Wednesday or Luton.

Barnet, the only non-league team in the last 32, were drawn at home to secondtier Brentford.

The fourth round will be played from Jan. 25-28.

Full draw as follows: Swansea vs. Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon vs. West Ham, Shrewsbury or Stoke vs.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall vs. Everton, Brighton vs. West Bromwich Albion, Bristol City vs. Bolton, Accrington Stanley vs. Derby or Southampton, Doncaster

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Reading’s Andy Rinomhota challenge for the ball during the English FA Cup third round soccer match between Manchester United and Reading at Old Trafford in Manchester, Saturday, Jan. 5. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

vs. Oldham, Chelsea vs.

Sheffield Wednesday or Luton, Newcastle or Blackburn vs. Watford,

Middlesbrough vs. Newport County, Manchester City vs. Burnley, Barnet vs.

Brentford, Portsmouth

vs. Queens Park Rangers, Arsenal vs. Manchester United, Crystal Palace vs.

Tottenham.

VOL. XXVII No. 2

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 29

India secure historic test series win on Australian soil Keiran Smith Sydney (AP) — India celebrated a historic test series victory in Australia after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket Ground finished in a draw.

Captain Virat Kohli’s team entered the final day with hopes of a 3-1 series victory and also a first win at the SCG since 1978, but rain meant there was no play on Monday and the umpires called it off early. The draw gave India a 2-1 series win.

“A very proud moment,” Kohli said. “More so because for the last 12 months we understand what we have gone through as a team, we understand the kind of cricket we have been able to play.

“But the fact that the reward has come in the most historic series for Indian cricket is the cherry on the top of the cake.”

Six hours of play was also lost on Sunday because of poor weather, but Kuldeep Yadav still had time to take his second fivewicket haul in tests as India rattled through Australia’s lower order with only a late 42run rally by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood taking the hosts to 300 for just the second time this series.

Marcus Harris top-scored for the hosts with 79, Australia’s highest individual score in the series.

Leading by 322 runs, Kohli had little hesitation in enforcing the follow-on and Australia reached six without loss in their second innings — with Harris unbeaten on two and Usman Khawaja on four — when bad light ended play on day four.

The last time Australia were required to follow-on at home was in 1988 against England at the SCG, a match which finished in a draw.

“We’re really disappointed,” Australia captain Tim Paine said. “We know we had some guys missing but we honestly felt coming into this series that in Australia, we could beat India.

“Throughout the series, more often than not when those big moments came up, Virat (Kohli) scored a century or (Chetweshwar) Pujara scored one or (Jasprit) Bumrah bowled a great spell and got them through those moments.”

India, who only needed to avoid a defeat in Sydney to clinch the series, effectively ended the match as a contest by scoring 622-7 declared over almost two full days after Kohli won the toss and batted. Man-of-the-series Pujara (193) scored his third century of the tour and Rishabh Pant made 159 not out as the India squad demonstrated they were a class above an Australian team

Schauffele rallies from 5 back with 62 to win at Kapalua Doug Ferguson Kapalua, Hawaii (AP) — Xander Schauffele figured he had nothing to lose. He wound up winning the first PGA Tour event of the year with a final round that not even he could have imagined.

Three straight birdies on the front. Two eagles that he holed from off the green, including a full wedge from 107 yards. Two eagle chips he nearly made, one hitting the left edge of the cup, the other stopping inches away in the heart. And then he finished off his 11-under 62 with two more birdies, just enough for him to deny hardluck Gary Woodland and win the Sentry Tournament of Champions last Sunday.

“Crazy day,” Schauffele said.

He was still somewhat dazed when he stepped outside the scoring trailer as Woodland was walking off the 18th green, having missed a 10-foot birdie putt that would have forced a playoff at Kapalua.

Woodland, one of the most athletic figures in golf, gave him a smile and a playful push on the shoulder. Schauffele was glad that’s all it was.

“He knows he could kick my (tail) if he wanted to,” Schauffele said.

Woodland knows there wasn’t much he could have done. He started the final round with a three-shot lead, didn’t make a bogey and closed with a 68. It still wasn’t enough, not against the final round the 25-yearold Schauffele put together.

Schauffele tied the course record with his 62, previously

The Indian cricket team and support staff celebrate their series win over Australia after play was called off on day 5 of the fourth test match in Sydney, Monday, Jan. 7. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

weakened by the absence of the banned senior batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner.

Underscoring the current malaise of Australian cricket without their star players, Australian batsmen have scored only one century — Khawaja’s 141 against Pakistan in Dubai — in a year, while India had five centu-

ries in this series alone.

“Clearly, we know we’re not going to win too many test matches without scoring hundreds,” Paine said. “But when guys are in their third, fourth test matches, it’s hard.

We had so many starts, throughout this series, it’s just the experience of learning how to convert them.”

Harris’ series-high score of 79 for Australia made it the first time in any test series of three or more matches since 1958 that a team had a highest score below 80.

It was also the first time ever Australia have gone through a four-test home series without a single batsman scoring a century.

Ferrari replaces Arrivabene with Binotto as team principal

Xander Schauffele holds the champions trophy after the final round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Sunday, Jan. 6, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)

held by K.J. Choi, Graeme McDowell, Chris Kirk and Jason Day. He set tournament marks with the lowest closing round by a winner and the largest 18-hole comeback (five shots).

“I didn’t do much leaderboard watching,” said Schauffele, who started the best round of his career with a bogey. “I knew it was going to be a birdie-fest at the end. We kept our head down and made a run for it.”

The victory was the second of the season for Schauffele, who won his first World Golf Championships title in the fall at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai. He rallied from three shots behind to win that one, finishing birdiebirdie and then making one more birdie to win a playoff.

His other two victories in his rookie season of 2017 all featured comebacks, including two shots at the Tour Championship.

That’s four career titles in 18 months, enough to move

Schauffele to No. 6 in the world ranking.

It was a tough loss for Woodland, who has yet to win in stroke play the three times he has held the 54-hole lead. He was the only player to post all four rounds in the 60s, and 68 was his worst score all week. It was good enough to win all but three tournaments held at Kapalua.

“This one will sting,” Woodland said.

Rory McIlroy played in the final group with Woodland, three shots behind, knowing he had played in the final group six times last year without winning. He got within two shots early, but didn’t make a birdie after a two-putt on the par-5 fifth and closed with a 72 to tie for fourth.

“I gave myself plenty of chances, just couldn’t get anything to drop,” McIlroy said.

Brooks Koepka closed with a 69 to finish 24th, meaning Justin Rose returns to No. 1 in the world.

Maranello, Italy (AP) — Ferrari replaced Maurizio Arrivabene with Mattia Binotto as team principal on Monday following another failed Formula One title chase.

Binotto, who had been working as Ferrari’s chief technical officer, has been with the team for nearly 25 years.

“After four years of untiring commitment and dedication, Maurizio Arrivabene is leaving the team,” Ferrari said in a statement. “The decision was taken together with the company’s top management after lengthy discussions related to Maurizio’s long term personal interests as well as those of the team itself.

“With immediate effect, Mattia Binotto will take over as Scuderia Ferrari’s Team Principal. All technical areas will continue to report directly to Mattia.”

While Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel won the opening two races of the 2018 season and took pole position in three of the first four races, Ferrari’s performance waned as the year went on, enabling Mercedes to win a fifth straight drivers’ title with Lewis Hamilton.

Arrivabene had been in charge since the 2015 season, having previously worked for Philip Morris, a key Ferrari sponsor.

Arrivabene’s criticism of Ferrari’s technical department

Former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene is shown in this June 19, 2016 file photo. (AP Photo/ Luca Bruno)

may have resulted in his ouster.

Having joined Ferrari in 1995 as a test engine engineer, Binotto was involved in the team’s golden years when Michael Schumacher won five titles. He was promoted to technical chief in July 2016.

Binotto had reportedly been chosen previously as Arrivabene’s successor by former Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne, who died in July.

In four seasons under Arrivabene, Ferrari won 14

races — 13 by Vettel and one

by Raikkonen — and finished second three times in the constuctors’ standings.

The 2019 season opens with the Australian GP in Melbourne on March 17.

Former Sauber driver Charles Leclerc has been hired to replace Raikkonen for this season, with Raikkonen having gone to Sauber.

Raikkonen was the last Ferrari driver to win a championship in 2007.

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India’s Virhat Kohli kisses the Border–Gavaskar Trophy as he celebrates his team’s 2-1 series win over Australia in Sydney, Monday, Jan. 7. (AP Photo/ Rick Rycroft)

Austria’s Marcel Hirscher competes during an alpine ski men’s World Cup slalom in Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, Jan. 6. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (left) tries to break free from Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James in the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 6, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Rory McIlroy plays a shot during the third round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Saturday, Jan. 5, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Julia Taubitz from Germany smiles after winning the women’s luge world cup in Schoenau am Koenigssee, Germany, Saturday, Jan.5. (Tobias Hase/dpa via AP)

New Orleans Pelicans’ Tim Frazier (bottom) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers’ Cedi Osman (top) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 5, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Maria Sakkari of Greece reacts during her match against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia, Thursday Jan. 3. (AP Photo/ Trevor Collens)

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Norway sees boom in electric cars, fueled by the government Mark Lewis Oslo, Norway (AP) — A silent revolution has transformed driving in Norway.

Eerily quiet vehicles are ubiquitous on the fjord-side roads and mountain passes of this wealthy European nation of 5.3 million. Some 30 percent of all new cars sport plug-in cables rather than gasoline tanks, compared with 2 percent across Europe overall and 1-2 percent in the U.S. As countries around the world — including China, the world’s biggest auto market — try to encourage more people to buy electric cars to fight climate change, Norway’s success has one key driver: the government.

It offered big subsidies and perks that it is now due to phase out, but only so long as electric cars remain attractive to buy compared with traditional ones.

“It should always be cheaper to have a zero emissions car than a regular car,” says Climate and Environment Minister Ola Elvestuen, who helped push through a commitment to have only sell zero-emissions cars sold in Norway by 2025. The plan supports Norway’s CO2 reduction targets under the 2015 Paris climate accord, which nations last agreed rigorous rules for to ensure

emissions goals are met.

To help sales, the Norwegian government waived hefty vehicle import duties and registration and sales taxes for buyers of electric cars. Owners don’t have to pay road tolls, and get free use of ferries and bus lanes in congested city centers.

These perks, which cost the government almost $1 billion last year, are being phased out in 2021, though any road tolls and fees would be limited to half of what gasoline car owners must pay. Gradually, subsidies for electric cars will be replaced by higher taxes on traditional cars.

Registration tax on new cars is paid on a sliding scale with a premium for the amount of emissions produced.

Elvestuen pledges that the incentives for electric vehicles will be adjusted in such a way that it does not scupper the 2025 target.

“What is important is that our aim is not just to give incentives,” he says. “It is that we are taxing emissions from regular cars.”

Using taxes to encourage consumers to shift to cleaner energy can be tricky for a government — protests erupted in France last autumn over a fuel tax that hurt the livelihood of poorer families, especially in rural areas where driving is often

In this Nov. 26, 2014 file photo electric cars queue in the bus lane, left, on the main road into Oslo, Norway. (Lise Aserud/NTB Scanpix via AP)

the only means of transportation.

In this sense, Norway is an outlier. The country is very wealthy after exporting for decades the kind of fossil fuels the world is trying to wean itself off of. Incomes are higher than the rest of Europe, as are prices.

Some 36 percent of all new cars sold are SUVs, which provide safety in the country’s tough winters.

Tesla’s SUV, the Model X the motor of choice for well-to-do environmentallyminded Norwegians - costs

around 900,000 Norwegian kronor (US$106,000).

“Buying a Tesla model X is not much more expensive than buying a standard premium Volvo because gasoline cars are taxed heavily.

That is also the reason Teslas sell well,” says Christina Bu, General Secretary of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association.

The premium gas-powered Volvo XC90 SUV, for example, starts at 919,000 kroner ($107,100) in Norway compared with $47,700 in the U.S.

Tesla’s Musk says Shanghai factory breaking ground Joe McDonald Beijing (AP) — Tesla Inc. is breaking ground for a Shanghai factory and will start production of its Model 3 and a planned crossover by the end of the year, CEO Elon Musk said Monday, Jan. 7.

Tesla announced plans last July to build its first factory outside the United States in China, the biggest electric vehicle market, despite trade tension between Beijing and Washington. That followed Beijing’s announcement it would end restrictions this year on foreign ownership of electric vehicle producers in an effort to spur industry development.

“Looking forward to breaking ground on the @Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory today!” said Musk on Twitter.

“Aiming to finish initial construction this summer, start Model 3 production end of year & reach high volume production next year.”

The Shanghai factory will produce “affordable versions

In this April 22, 2014, file photo. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk (right) looks on as a set of Tesla Model S sedans are delivered to customers at an event in Beijing, China. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

of 3/Y for greater China,” Musk said. The company refers to a planned crossover that has yet to receive a formal name as the Y. Higher-priced models will be built in the United States for export to China, Musk said.

Tesla, based in Palo Alto, California, joins global automakers including General Motors Co., Volkswagen AG and Nissan Motor Corp. that are pouring billions of

dollars into manufacturing electric vehicles in China.

Tesla said in October it had signed an agreement for a 210-acre (84-hectare) site in the Lingang district in southeastern Shanghai.

Shanghai is a center of China’s auto industry and home to state-owned Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp., the main local manufacturer for GM and VW. Tesla has yet to give a

price tag but the Shanghai government said it would be the biggest foreign investment there to date.

The company faces competition from Chinese brands including BYD Auto and BAIC Group that already sell tens of thousands of hybrid and pure-electric sedans and SUVs annually.

Until now, foreign automakers that wanted to manufacture in China were required to work through state-owned partners. Foreign brands balked at bringing electric vehicle technology into China to avoid having to share it with potential competitors.

The first of the new electric models being developed by global automakers to hit the market, Nissan’s Sylphy Zero Emission, began rolling off a production line in southern China in August.

Lower-priced electric models from GM, Volkswagen and other global brands are due to hit the market starting this year, well before Tesla is up and running in Shanghai.

To date, with its longer battery life, Tesla has dominated the upmarket family car space for electric vehicles, but more premium marques are entering the market, like the Audi Quattro e-tron. Demand is still outstripping supply, with Norwegians having to wait up to a year to get their hands on the steering wheels of their new electric vehicles.

Norway has pledged to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 40 percent by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. The country has work to do: by 2017, emissions were up 3 percent compared to the 1990 baseline. Cutting emissions from road transport will allow Norway to reduce the amount it has to spend buying up emissions certificates from other European countries to meet its target.

The savings are likely to run into billions, potentially balancing out the cost of subsidizing electric cars.

Norway is looking to China for help in developing the market.

China has invested heavily in electric vehicles as it looks to meet its own Paris climate accord commitments, to clean up its choking cities and to get in early in a growing area of manufacturing. In October last year, 6 percent of new cars were electric, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, up almost 50 percent from a year earlier.

The market has huge growth potential, experts say, and like Norway, the market boom has relied on government incentives.

The hope in Norway is that the sheer size of China’s market will encourage the industry to develop the technology more quickly — improving battery life, for example — and force down prices.

Experts say the electric vehicle market needs to develop more for sales to keep growing.

Battery life on smaller vehicles is slim and the resale market is untested. Fast battery charging points are slow compared with gasoline pumps, and on Norway’s often empty mountain roads, these points are uneconomical despite government subsidies for the private companies that set them up.

Even in city centers, construction of such points has not kept pace with sales. At one station in Oslo, a Tesla driver cracks open his laptop while his car charges. Another, Ida Vihovde, drums her fingers as she waits for a charging station to free up.

“If the government put up more of these it would be OK,” she says beside her electric VW Golf. “Right now there are no more chargers so I have to sit and wait.”

Dr. Iain is currently on leave. The weekly car quizzes are postponed until he returns.

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E-mail: socialscene@pattayamail.com

East meets West at the Dusit Thani Pattaya

East finally met with West during the “Kingdom of Heaven” Countdown Party to 2019 at the Dusit Thani Pattaya on New Year’s Eve. The atmosphere was truly Thai complemented by shows, live music and a fun DJ including a special appearance by the Dusit Thani Group and the Faculty of Music Silpakorn University who exquisitely performed a fusion of Thai and Western music. Door prizes were drawn culminating with the countdown when GM Neoh Kean Boon and EAM Larry Choi together with the executive staff took to the stage for the countdown and amazing fireworks display.

Centara Grand Phratumnak carries spirit of happiness into New Year

Wonder Mirage Fantasy at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Denis Thouvard (centre), General Manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, along with the management team, ensured that their guests had a most amazing experience at the “Wonder Mirage Fantasy Countdown Party.” A lavish international buffet was served accompanied by live music, entertainment, games, and lucky draws ending with fabulous fireworks display.

Funky Circus and fireworks at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G

Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya welcomed the New Year in an atmosphere of fun. The celebration took place on the rooftop overlooking Pattaya Bay. Guests and their families dined on a sumptuous buffet while being entertained by colourful Thai traditional dances. A mini EDM concert followed by dance music helped carry the spirit of happiness into the New Year.

Royal Cliff hosts Infini Extravaganza to ring in the New Year Pullman Pattaya Hotel G welcomed 2019 with a Funky Circus-themed party. The extensive gala buffet included a variety of seafood delicacies. DJ Peachy kept the music lively and a live performance by Marina Perfileva vowed the crowd. Door prizes were drawn followed by the spectacular fireworks on the beach.

Thai Garden Resort is the place to be on New Year’s Eve

The Royal Cliff Beach Hotels organised a variety of sparkling celebrations at their different venues. The celebration at the Royal Cliff’s Infini Extravaganza New Year Gala Dinner was a fun-filled and memorable one. Many door prizes were drawn and it seemed like everyone had something to take home with them, not to mention happy memories of revelry. Photo shows Prem Calais (centre) GM of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, RM Jan Lorenzen, and RM Guy Sukkasem presenting grand prizes to the lucky draw winners.

New Year’s Eve celebrations at Amari Phuket

The Thai Garden Resort was again the place to be to celebrate the New Year. The pool area was elegantly appointed so that guests could enjoy the extravagant buffet and at the same time be thrilled by the exciting Chinese Acrobatic Show and then settle down to be charmed by the fabulous singers of the Grand Opera Bangkok. Gerrit and Anselma Niehaus were at their most charming as they greeting their special guests who flew in from many parts of the world to be at this celebration.

Down south, Pierre-Andre Pelletier (left), Amari Regional Vice-President Operations - Southern Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives and his team at the Amari Phuket organised one of the most extraordinary New Year’s Eve parties in the resort. The array of Thai and international cuisine served was second to none and guests were entertained with shows and music throughout the evening. Everyone then gathered together at midnight to marvel at the spectacular fireworks over Patong Bay.

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E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com

Events The next meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be held on Sunday, January 13. Periodically, local musicians are invited to entertain with both words about themselves and with their music and for this meeting, some dance as well. Details will be announced on their website, www.pcec.club.

The program starts at 10:30 am with a buffet breakfast available from 9:00 to 11:00 am on the 4th floor of the Holiday Inn’s Executive Tower located behind the Holiday Inn’s Bay Tower on Beach Road.

A Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard networking evening will be held at the Holiday Inn Pattaya on Friday, January 18 from 6.00 p.m. – 9 p.m. (last drinks at 8.30 p.m.). Entrance cost is THB 600 on the door for members and THB 1,200 for non-members.

Admission includes freeflow drinks and finger food.

The 2019 Burapha Bike Week will take place from Feb. 14-16 at the National Indoor Stadium on Chaiyapruek 2 Road in Pattaya. During the festival, live concerts will take place throughout the day and evening; there will be many food stalls, fireworks, tattoo displays, dancers, motorcycle parades, stunt shows and more. For updates and more information, check Burapha Bike Week Pattaya on Facebook.

Fax: 038-427596

The 2019 Honda LPGA Thailand golf championship will take place at Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya from February 21-24. The tournament will showcase 60 of world’s best LPGA players and 10 rising stars in women’s golf from all ages to win the prize purse of $1.6 million. Spectators will also find opportunity to relax and enjoy the “Festival Village” with exhibitors, retail outlets, interactive activities and local food stalls. For ticket information and further details, visit website: https:// hondalpgathailand.com.

The Eastern Seaboard Businessmen’s Dinner is a monthly event taking place at the Mantra Restaurant at the Amari Pattaya Resort on the last Thursday of the month. It brings together business leaders from various backgrounds including Automotive, Aerospace, Real Estate, Architecture, FMCG, Electronics, White Goods, Logistics, Recruitment, Legal, Consulting, and others in a relaxed atmosphere. If you are interested in attending please contact Anuttra.Sukruen@tinfish.co.th.

A Farmers’ Market takes place every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Holiday Inn hotel on Pattaya Beach Road from 10.30 am - 3.30 p.m. Products range from wellness items, jewelry, freshly prepared food, organic vegetables and fruits. The next market will be held Jan. 12.

Braised Five Spice Coconut Chicken The use of desiccated coconut is very popular in Malaysia, and this recipe has its origins there. For authenticity substitute Garam Masala instead of the Five Spice.

A flavorsome way to present chicken fillets.

Ingredients Chicken breast skinless fillets Desiccated coconut Onions, chopped Garlic, chopped Coconut milk (canned) Chili paste Turmeric powder Five Spice Spring onion, chopped

Serves 4 500 gm 50 gm 2 2 cloves 250 ml 1 tspn 1 tspn 1 tspn 4

Cooking Method Clean the chicken fillets and dry then pour 50 ml coconut milk over them. Place desiccated coconut in a bowl with 5 tablespoons of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes.

After standing for 15 minutes, place the coconut, onion, garlic, the remaining coconut milk, turmeric, Five Spice, chili paste in the food processor, and puree the mixture, adding water to keep the mixture quite thin in consistency.

Now boil the mixture and put half of it in a baking dish, adding the chicken fillets and then pouring the rest of the mixture over the fillets.

Cover the baking dish and bake in the oven at 220 degrees Celsius for eight to ten minutes. Serve immediately with steamed rice after sprinkling the spring onion over them as garnish.

A stamp market is held every Sunday from 10.00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m.at Rahnpintang Moe Kata Restaurant, Panji Place, on Soi Ponphraphanimit 7 (200m from the Bangkok Highway underpass). Here can you exchange stamps from the whole world. Call 089 091 3418 for more information and directions.

Dining Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at Hilton Pattaya invites you to savor a special dish of the month ‘Seared Red Snapper with Peanut and Tamarind Sauce’ throughout January. Seared red snapper is served with peanut and tamarind sauce, turmeric foam sauce, dill foam sauce and homemade rice noodles and salad at THB 950 net. Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is located on level 34 of the hotel and open from 6pm – 11pm.

For more information or reservations, call 038 253 000 or visit pattaya.hilton.com.

Children’s Day Celebration at Café Kantary on Saturday. Jan. 12 - Buy 1 Get 1 free on ice cream scoops, offer available at any of the 9 branches of Café Kantary across Thailand. Additionally, Bangsean, Rayong, and Sriracha branches will also feature Bozo the Clown & and a balloon animal show.

For more details call 0-22533791-7 or visit website: www.cafekantary.com.

The Bay Grill & Buffet at Dusit Thani Pattaya: Dine with a sea view and enjoy seafood and meat barbecue accompanied by Thai and international items from soup, appetizers and main courses to dessert for only THB 1200++ per person. Free flowing beverage for additional THB 599++ per person. The Bay is open daily from 18:30 - 22:00. Call 038 425 611-7 ext. 2149 0r 2150 for more information and reservations.

Saturday Night Buffet is back at AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa. Experience regional favourites galore, street dishes an artisan desserts, as you relax with classical Thai dance and live music. Every Saturday night at Sala Rim Nam Restaurant from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

Priced at THB 599++ per person. Kids under 5 eat free.

For more information and reservations, call 038 412 120 Big Fish restaurant at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya enhances its seafood buffet with more

premium catches and live music entertainment. The restaurant offers a nightly Seafood BBQ Buffet at only THB 777 net or THB 1,099 net with free-flow wine. Enjoy high-quality, premium seafood cuisine as you listen to acoustic guitar and piano music from prominent local artists. Seafood BBQ Buffet at Big Fish is available every night from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations call 038 930 600 or email fbsec@siamatpattaya.com.

Kids eat for free on Children’s Day at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya. Order a main course and get a free kids meal.

Available on Saturday, 12 January from Noon – 10pm.

For reservations, call 038428755 ext. 8323 or e-mail: secfb.pty@hardrockhotels.net.

Centara Pattaya Hotel and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya are currently offering festive hampers priced from THB 359 net – THB 2,299 net while stocks last.

To order, call 038 295 999 ext

2 or Email: restaurantmgrcpy @chr.co.th.

After 14 years as the Landlord of an Irish Pub, the name Kim Fletcher has not disappeared. Kim may have gone from Jamesons, but his wife Goy has ensured that the name Fletcher has not died by opening Fletchers’ Folly, a boutique pub on the Dark Side. Kim is trying to get used to being retired, but the new ‘pensioner’ loves regaling the drinkers with stories from his lifetime in pubs, punctuated with his characteristic laugh. Fletchers’ Folly is on Siam Country Club Road, opposite Maxxis tyres and 300 meters before the “Chicken Crossroads”.

Food and drinks at very reasonable prices.

Pizza and Pasta All You Can Eat at Mövenpick Siam

Hotel Na Jomtien: Twist Restaurant features Italian classics like creamy Carbonara or meaty Bolognese with a choice of pasta, or the delicious Prosciutto Pizza with your choice of regular or whole wheat dough. The menu also includes original Thai-fusion pizzas and pasta such as the Tom Yam pizza with chili paste, prawn, squid and Thai herbs or the tasty Green Curry Pasta. Available all day from Sunday – Thursday at only THB 500 per person, with a glass of soft drink. For more information or reservation, call 033 078 888.

Special culinary nights at Persimmon restaurant, Pattana Golf Club & Resort: Pizza Pasta Night on Tuesday Continued on page 35

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All in the Air what flowers I am afraid I have no idea. I am not too good on flowers, unlike my mother who could spot a Chrysosplenium alternifolium at three hundred yards. The mouth-feel of this wine is soft and silky with a lovely light, creamy texture which is often the hallmark of a decent Chardonnay (shar-dunAY). There’s just the faintest touch of acidity which enhances the flavour and gives the wine a sense of firmness.

There’s plenty of rich white fruit on the palate and just a hint of oak but the makers

Wolf Blass vineyards.

Some people – and evidently quite a few waiters – seem to believe that having removed the cork from a wine bottle, the bottle must then be allowed to stand for a couple of minutes to let the air get inside. Now if you give this a moment’s thought you’ll realize that it’s complete nonsense. When a bottle is opened, only a tiny surface area of wine in the neck of the bottle – less than two centimeters in diameter - is exposed to the air. This is nowhere near sufficient time to make a significant difference to the taste. It’s far better to tip the wine into a decanter or wine jug. If there isn’t one, just pour it into the glasses and let it rest for five minutes giving it the occasional swirl.

There’s only one reason to wait for a few seconds before pouring the wine and that’s to let any residual sulphur dioxide escape. This chemical has been used in winemaking for centuries and on rare occasions there’s a whiff of sulphur dioxide when you

open the bottle. It dissipates within seconds. Wine aeration is a bit of a battle-ground among wine experts. For example, Professor Emile Peynaud, the distinguished French enologist believes that any oxygen damages the aroma and you should pour wine straight out of the bottle into the glasses. In the opinion of British wine expert Hugh Johnson, most wines improve with aeration.

I nearly always pour wine into a decanter, unless of course it’s a sparkler. To my mind, wine seems to smell and taste better ten to twenty minutes after opening. If you want your wines tight and firm, pour them straight from the bottle but if you want them to open up a bit, pour them first into a decanter or wine jug. I use simple, plain decanters made of light glass, bought at the kitchen shop next door to Foodland. They come in a variety of sizes down to 25cl, which is a third of a bottle. If you are sharing a bottle with two other people, you can pour the entire contents into

Pinot noir grapes.

three 25cl decanters. This ensures that everyone gets a fair share and avoids unseemly fist-fights later in the evening.

Wolf Blass Chardonnay 2016 (white), Australia (Bt. 759 @ Wine-Now.Asia) I expected the aromas of this rich, bright golden wine to really hit my nose but no, this is a lovely refined smell.

If you give it a bit of time to develop, you’ll be rewarded with delicate reminders of citrus, melon, peach and fresh white flowers. Exactly

have kept the fruit in balance. The long finish reminds me of peach and citrus.

If you prefer Chardonnay with a bit of character, give this one a try. It works well with light, creamy pasta, seafood, chicken, roast turkey or pork. I’d be quite happy to drink this on its own all evening and so it seems, would the dogs. But that’s not going to happen, because for dinner they’re having beef chunks in a rich brown sauce. Cabernet Sauvignon will be much more appropriate.

Les Fumées Blanches Pinot Noir, IGP Pays d’Oc (red), France (Bt. 799 @ Wine Connection) Let’s decode the label first.

The trade name Les Fumées Blanches refers to the white morning mists which sometimes appear in the area. The abbreviation “IGP” means that this is a wine guaranteed to be from a specific area. The expression Pays d’Oc means that this is a southern French country wine. To be more precise, it’s from the Gers region in South West France not far from the Pyrenees Mountains. During the hot and dry summers, the vines are cooled by breezes from the Atlantic. Pinot Noir (PEE-noh NWAHR) is the traditional red wine grape of Burgundy but now has been adopted in wine regions all over the world.

This wine is a vibrant red and has an elegant aroma of dark berries, herbs, cherries and a dash of spiciness. In the background, there’s a kind of smoky, distant smell of woodland. Even though

the wine is completely dry, you’ll probably notice the distinctive hint of strawberries and cherries. It has a very smooth texture, but there’s quite an assertive firmness on the palate.

There’s a slight touch of acidity too and an exceptionally long, dry finish with a satisfying foundation of fine tannins. This is rather a serious and elegant wine with plenty of character and interest. If you enjoy dry, firm reds with a good balance of tannin, you could well enjoy this one.

Don’t just open the bottle and have a swig, because it takes a good thirty minutes for the aromas and taste to open up. Drink it cool as a perfect accompaniment to Beef Bourguignon, grilled meats, game or veal. It should work well with alpine cheeses like Emmenthal and Gruyère or even mature Camembert and Brie. And don’t forget to buy a few of those glass decanters next time you get paid. The small ones cost less than seventy baht each, and should last you for years. Unless of course, you manage to drop them.

Vineyards in the Pyrenees.

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PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2019 35

E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com

From page 33 at only 299 Baht or 399 Baht including sangria or wine, customers can choose ingredients for their pasta and pizza. Seafood Night on Wednesday at only 399 Baht, customers can choose varieties of fresh seafood cooked to order in the open kitchen. Carnivore Night on Friday at only 499 Baht offers a free flow chicken, lamb, beef or pork BBQ direct from the charcoal grill. In addition, for only 100 Baht customers can choose or combine lots of ingredients and level of spiciness to create your own Som Tam, all day, every day. Call for reservation at 038 318 999 ext.

11212/11230 or email restaurant@pattana.co.th.

The Thai Garden Terrace Restaurant offers nightly dining presentations with different themed “all you can eat” buffets at the resort poolside: Monday – Italian buffet; Tuesday – BBQ buffet; Wednesday – multi-cuisine buffet; Thursday – German buffet with roasted pig; Friday – Thai buffet; Saturday – international buffet; Sunday – steak & skewers buffet. The buffet starts from 6 p.m., runs until 9 p.m. All this for just 399 baht net per adult. What you see is what you pay, no additional service charges or VAT. For reservations call 038 370 614 or make your booking at www.thaigarden .com under “buffet reservation”. Thai Garden Resort is located on North Pattaya Road, 200 meters from the Dolphin roundabout and 200 meters before Tesco Lotus.

Yupin’s Restaurant in Jomtien Complex offers some fabulous culinary options including Fines De Claires Oysters arriving fresh ‘Par Avion’ from Normandy in France. Served on ice with lemon and on request a spicy Thai sauce for dipping. An amazing experience. Only 595 baht per six oysters. Yupins is also taking bookings for Christmas dinner at 995 baht per person. For more information or reservations, call 038 250394 or visit website: www.yupins.com.

Linda’s Restaurant is large with seating for 200 people, with a covered al fresco verandah outside for those who wish to smoke.

Inside, in air-conditioned comfort, there are comfortable chairs and decent sized

tables, with white starched napery. Linda’s Restaurant, 315/177-180 Moo 12, opposite the Jomtien Complex.

Thappraya Road, Jomtien.

Open seven days from 7.30 a.m. until late. Tel: Reservations: 038 252 726, www. lindasrestaurant.com, streetside parking. Email linda@ lindasrestaurant.com . GPS 12.901655 N 100.869.

Yamato Restaurant located on Soi Yamato has been around for more than 39 years and the soi was named after its oldest tenant. This is a restaurant to take a few people with you. The prices are certainly not over the top, and the quality is superb. Yamato Japanese restaurant, 219/51 Soi Yamato (13/1), close to Beach Road end, telephone 038 429 685 or 038 421 618. Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner.

The legendary Somsakdi Restaurant has been in operation in Pattaya for more than 40 years. Proprietor and Chef Somsakdi is still cooking and running his amazing restaurant at 78 years of age.

The menu is probably the largest in Pattaya, with 374 individual items. Each dish is in Thai with an English explanation underneath.

Rather than be swamped by choices, let Somsakdi guide you.

After all, who knows his dishes better than he? Somsakdi Restaurant, Pattaya Soi 1, tel.

038 428 987, 038 423 284, 038 429 869, limited parking plus on-street parking in the soi.

Hours 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days.

Spa & Hotel Promotions Aromatherapy Massage promotion at Ayatana Spa, Pattana Golf Club & Resort: 90 min massage only 1,800 baht, get free 30 min body scrub worth 500 baht or 100 baht discount. This promotion is valid from Jan 1, till the end of Feb 2019. For bookings, call 038 318 999 ext. 11143 Eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya introduces a 120-minute spa package ‘Total Bliss’ for your ultimate relaxation and facial skin nourishment: Priced at THB 4,300 net per person and THB 8,000 per couple and available until January 31, 2019. For more information and reservations, call 038-253-000.

AVANI Spa offers a spa buffet package: 90-minute AVANI signature touch massage and International

Fax: 038-427596

Buffet Dinner at Garden Cafe for one at only THB 2,700 net. Advance reservations required, contact AVANI Spa at Tel. 038 412 120.

Entertainment Despacito Fridays at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya –Start off the weekend with a sensual step Latin night at the Roof Sky Bar, every Friday from 4pm – 10pm with DJ Ro-Bi-El Gordo and DJ Rocky, plus zumba classes. Free admission, ladies enjoy a free drink until 5pm. For more information, call 038 930 600.

Enjoy great music from Thomas Reimer, one of the most famous European Jazz guitarists, playing live every evening (except Tuesday) from 6.00 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Sugar Hut restaurant on Thappraya Road, call 038 364 186 for details.

Community Services The North Star Library on Sukhumvit Road, north Pattaya holds regular Thai language classes Mon - Fri from 10.30 a.m. till 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. Cost of admission is 100 baht per session for library members and 200 baht for non-members. Private lessons are also available for 200 baht per hour. In addition, the library also holds Yoga training every Tuesday from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Father Ray Foundation. Cost is 1200 baht for 6 sessions (first session free).

For more information, call 081 575 4854 or email wan_nujan@yahoo.com

Groups & Associations Rotary Club of JomtienPattaya (English) meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday

of the month at Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Pattaya City.

Fellowship begins at 18.30 hrs and Dinner meeting at 19.00 hrs. President Vutikorn Kamolchote Email: <vutikornk@hotmail.com> Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard (English) meets at the Siam Bayshore Hotel, 17.30 hrs for 18.00 hrs on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, followed by dinner (Fellowship) President Brian Songhurst Email: <bjs2904@yahoo.com> Rotary Club Phönix Pattaya (German) meets every Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Pattaya at 19.00 hrs.

President Peter Schlegel Email: info@rotary-phoenixpattaya.org.

Le Rotary Pattaya Marina, seul Rotary Francophone d’Asie, vous accueille les premier et troisième vendredis de chaque mois, début des réunions 19h, à l’hôtel Pullman G Pattaya Wongamat 445/3 Moo 5 – Soi 16 – Pattaya Naklua Road. Venez agir avec le Rotary pour changer des vies. Pierre Yves Eraud Président 2018-2019 Email: < info@rotarypattayamarina.org.

Rotary Club of Pattaya (Thai-English) meets at the First Pacific Hotel, Central Road on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Meetings begin at 19.00 hrs. President Stephen Devereux Email: < stevecarlow@gmail.com> The Thai Stamp Alliance is a new internet and social media group created to share information, including posts of events like Exhibitions and Auctions. If you live on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand and have an interest, email thaistampalliance @gmail.com. or find us on Facebook.

Post 12146 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the

United States of America (Ban Chang – U-Tapao, Thailand) meets the second Saturday of each month at 13:00 at Sinthavee Park Condo, 2/ 1 Moo 5, in Ban Chang. If you are interested, please contact Membership Chairman Dan Morgan at <ban changvfw12146membership@ gmail.com> or visit website: www.banchangvfwpost12146.org.

The Royal British Legion Thailand meets the last Saturday of every month from 2 p.m. at the Tropical Bar on Soi Khao Noi (Watboonsampan near the Temple entrance) in East Pattaya. You do not need to have served in the Armed Forces to become a member and can join in the many social events arranged throughout the year. The Legion’s primary aim is the care and welfare of those who have served and/or their dependents. For general enquiries send email to <secretary@rblthailand .org, www.rblthailand.org>.

Alcoholics Anonymous: The Pattaya Group meets Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are closed (alcoholics only) and are held at Soi Skaw Beach (off Pattaya 2nd Rd). Contact Carl 08-456-31671. The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning. All meetings are ‘open’: contact 084 564 8479. The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at

Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: Contact, Andrew 086 107 6631. The Scandinavian Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, Thappraya Road Soi 7: contact Hans 085 135 7755 or Rune (Rayong) 089 754 9515.

10.30 a.m. meetings every day at Satree Pattana Centre on Soi Skaw Beach off Second Road. Call 084 564 8479.

The Samaritans of Thailand English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community.

English-speaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone.

All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge. (02) 713-6791.

Overeaters Anonymous The ‘Up to You’ group meets Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the housing area just behind Pan Pan Restaurant in Jomtien on Thappraya Road. Call Steve at 038-364207(h) or 089-250-1359 (cell) for directions or more information.

Narcotics Anonymous Hotline: 082 811 2686. 3 English speaking meetings in Pattaya near Central Festival and 2 in Jomtien each week.

Also regular Thai speaking meetings at 12 noon every Sunday, and Persian Farsi speaking meetings at 5.30 pm on Thursdays. Please call the Hotline for details.

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Thailand fires coach Rajevac after Asian Cup loss to India Bangkok (AP) — The Football Association of Thailand fired Milovan Rajevac as head coach after the national football team’s 4-1 opening loss to India at the Asian Cup last Sunday.

Thai FA president Somyot Poompanmoung had warned ahead of the continental tournament that Rajevac’s job was on the line if he couldn’t take the team to the second round.

He announced the decision to fire Rajevac after Sunday’s game in Abu Dhabi, despite Thailand still having group games against Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to play.

In a statement released early Monday he said, “It was not the playing format that Thai FA and the team supporters desired. I hereby announce the suspension of the contract with Milovan Rajevac as the coach of Thailand’s national team.”

India’s Sunil Chhetri overtook Lionel Messi to become the second highest-scoring active international player by netting two goals in the win over Thailand. Chhetri moved onto 66 goals, one more than Messi. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (85) is ahead of him.

biggest wins in their history by beating Australia 1-0 on Sunday.

Anas Bani Yaseen was the match-winner, finding space following a short-corner routine

by Jordan to guide in a nearpost header in the 26th minute.

Jordan had just 24 percent possession in the match and

Thailand’s head coach Milovan Rajevac reacts during the AFC Asian Cup group A soccer match between Thailand and India at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Jan. 6. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Assistant Sirisak Yodyathai will take over as interim head coach for the tournament.

Rajevac was hired as the Thailand head coach in April 2017 to replace Kiatsisak Senamuang and had been under increasing pressure since Thailand failed to defend

the AFF Cup title last month, losing to Malaysia in the semifinals on away goal rules.

The 65-year-old Serbian was voted the African confederation’s coach of the year in 2010 after guiding Ghana to the World Cup quarterfinals.

Thailand’s Chalermpong Kerdka (left) fights for the ball with India’s Sunil Chhetri during their teams’ AFC Asian Cup group A match in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Jan. 6. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Anirudh Thapa and Jeje Lalpekhlua also scored for India, who climbed atop Group A above host nation United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, who drew 1-1 on Saturday.

In the first big shock of the 2019 tournament, Jordan — the world’s 109th-ranked team — pulled off one of the

rode their luck under severe pressure in the second half, with Awer Mabil hitting the post for Australia and Jamie Maclaren having a goal disallowed for a narrow offside.

After Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi produced a double save in the last attack of the match, the referee blew the final whistle and

Jordan’s players sank to their knees and clutched their heads.

“This will hurt everyone, I know that,” Australia captain Mark Milligan said. “It’s hurting me at the minute.”

Australia, the second-best team in the Asian conference behind Iran, have been in a similar position before at the Asian Cup — in 2007, the Socceroos drew their opener to Oman and then lost 3-1 to Iraq, only to qualify for the knockout stage by thrashing Thailand 4-0 in their last group game.

On Sunday, the Australians couldn’t break down a packed Jordan defensive line, resorting in the end to long balls into the penalty area.

“I just think we were a little lethargic in our ball movement,” Milligan said.

“We know we have to be better if we want to progress and succeed in this tournament.”

The 2019 edition of the Asian Cup is the biggest ever, with 24 teams involved — mirroring the expansion made by the European Championship for its most recent tournament in 2016. It is taking place against the backdrop of a diplomatic crisis in the gulf region.

Nongprue challenges residents with 1,000km health drive Warapun jaikusol New Year’s Day always brings resolutions and for hundreds of Nongprue residents, that means running or walking 1,000 kilometers over a year.

The sub-district’s Public Health Department launched the “1,000 Kilometers in 365 Days” project in October with almost 1,000 people now signing up for it.

Director of Public Health and Environment Surapon Krimprasert said people can either run or walk to reach their goal. The first 1,000 people to register will receive a souvenir medal after they complete the year-long trek. Registration is still open to members of the public.

Nongprue launched the program to encourage people to exercise and stay healthy, taking advantage of the surge in interest in both running and cycling.

Nonprue residents are being challenged by public health officials to get in shape in 2019.

Full preview of NFL divisional round playoffs Turn to page 28.

India secure historic test series win on Australian soil Turn to page 29.

PATTAYA MAIL is edited by Nopniwat Krailerg for Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. Printer, publisher and owner Offices: 62/284-286 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Pattaya City 20150.

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