Pattaya Expats Club Newsletter April 20, 2005

E NEWSLETTER 20 April 2005
Dear Pattaya Expats Club Members & Friends
SATURDAYS at 1100 A.M. PATTAYA EXPATS CLUB PresentsSATURDAY LUNCHTIME KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & CONVERSATION for 23 April 2005.For all Pattaya’s Expats, come and join us at our new venue at THE GRAND SOLE HOTEL, Second Road, Pattaya. (Mid-way between Central Road and North Road, on the right hand side going towards the Dolphin roundabout.
NEWS… Belated welcome to two new Board Members, Roger Carino and Michael Mayne. Both have been helping us for some timeGUEST SPEAKERS LINE UP 23 April 2005. Supplied by Denis Laurin
Another Saturday coming up, with worthy and important matters.
Our guest Speaker is Tom Coghlan, a retired police officer having
served some 26 years in Greater Manchester police in Great Britain.
A recipient of 7 Chief Constables Commendations, holder of the British
Humane Society Distinguished Conduct Medal and police Long Service
and Good Conduct Medals. A senior member of the British Institute of
Professional working Canines. He attended many seminars and canine
training courses both in the U.K. and overseas on a wide spectrum of
subjects. Invited to attend police K9 Seminars in numerous countries
and was privileged to be asked by the Japan Rescue Association to give
a presentation at the World Conference on Search and rescue in Osaka
in 2001. Tom was elected as Team Leader and led missions in natural
disasters (Earthquakes, Floods, etc.) in the following places: Turkey, Mozambique, Japan, India, Iran and more recently the
Tsunami in the South of Thailand.He is M.D. of Canine Specialists Protection (Thailand) Co. Ltd whichspecialises in the training, handling and management of highly trained working canines throughout South East Asia.
Current deployments include International Hotels, Government commitments,
Airports and U.S. operations. He will bring a dog and speak to us how they
are trained and the effectiveness of Canine on above mentioned subjects.
He is also a humorous and versatile communicator. A must hear and see
session.Khun Sombat, the now titled "Philosophic motorbike-taxi driver" will be
back to entertain us with is own good and down to earth relationship
Thai/Farang. Quite unique and refreshing.Come and hear about kreng-jai.On the "Weekly Draw" front, again a full plate with a dinner for two fromthe nearby Jamieson's Irish Pub courtesy of Landlord Kim Fletcher.
Opsinjoor representative Rudy, is also topping up the scale with his dinner for two while Carrefour
located Subway's will again gift us with 4 vouchers for their noble subs
or sandwiches "up to you"Last but not least, the ladies Club will as usual have their own meeting
and it's growing in numbers. Interesting and not to be missed, therefore
bring your spouses or girlfriends to the sympathetic gathering at the Grand Sole Hotel.Looking forward to the pleasure of greeting you on Saturday.

Even though the Thai New Year water celebrations drag the people to the Sois, not many wanted to miss the Songkran-meeting of the Pattaya Expats Club in the Grand Sole Hotel. They faced a lot of action on the corridor to the meeting room. The ladies in their own meeting corner, club sponsors willing to inform you about their products without any pushing to sell, and today the counter of the Pattaya Immigration Police and Chonburi Labour Department was installed. Peter Meuleman, a long time volunteer, explained what services they offer. All questions about visa policies, work permits or conditions concerning your staff will be answered in a discrete one to one situation. They can also help you fill in the various application forms. Club President Niels Colov replaced holidaying Brian Maxey as MC and he welcomed quite a few newcomers, who from next week don’t even have to bring a photo if they want to become members, as the club has its own camera and printer. Then the newest Expats Information bulletin was handed out, 14 pages of info about upcoming events, what’s going on in the club and who the generous sponsors are.
The first guest speaker was the experienced Landlord Kim Fletcher, these days of Jameson’s, a great Irish Pub and restaurant at the Nova Park Apartments. He remembered one of the first meetings of this club, with just a handful of people, in Shenanigan’s, the Irish pub he was running in those days, and that he did not believe it was going to last very long. But now he was speaking to a full house and congratulated the board members on this achievement. Kim explained why, as an owner of a pub and restaurant in Pattaya, he has every reason to wear a smile on his face. The world comes to him; he makes people smile, helps people to make good new friends or, as a part of his job, plays a round of golf with them. Kim, who is also well known for his active participation in charity-events, was not complaining about the hard work he has to do, but instead told us what he thought was instrumental if you want to have a successful place. Never do it out of greed, don’t choose a lifestyle that your profits can’t keep up with, and define the sort of customers you aim for. Then care about them as a teacher for his pupils. He certainly has proved this formula works.
Then Nigel Morgan took to the stage. He wanted to share an experience about a legal fight he won in Pattaya against noise pollution. Three karaoke bars in his street made it almost impossible to get any sleep. Together with 40 people, Thai and farang alike, he composed a complaint written in Thai. The authorities examined the case, showed a lot of understanding and turned out to be very helpful, which soon even ended with closing those bars. This shows that you must not be intimidated too easily and that people can stand up against noise pollution or other unacceptable behavior. But always do it well prepared, with a group, with respect for the authorities, explain the problem in their language, dress properly and always be polite, show you don’t want to hurt others, but want to find a solution for the distress they are putting you in.
The next guest speaker was Khun Sombat, the philosophic motorbike-taxi driver, who produced an unforgettable appearance 2 weeks ago. He didn’t need much time to entertain the crowd once more with his humorous way of explaining Thai culture and customs to farang. People had a lot of questions about Thai behavior that they did not understand and Khun Sombat was never shy of an answer. If in a shop, your spouse doesn’t want to ask the staff where a certain product is, it is most likely because she likes to buy a lot more goods, maybe the whole stock. He told us that girls are very shy in public, and if dancing girls don’t appear to be so, it is mainly because they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He explained why many Thai people don’t want to bargain and what the mai pen rai-culture is all about. Almost open forum-like the most accurate translation of kreng-jai was discussed, but there seem to be many. Showing respect is one of them and Khun Sombat admitted that the Thai youth, more westernised and less controlled by their parents, is less impressed by this kreng-jai thing. After the baht bus and motorbike-taxi policy, the chaotic driving behavior, corruption as crucial extra income and the most successful style to bargain were dealt with; he left the stage getting a big hand. He’ll be back (next week?) for sure! By the way, Khun Sombat is the associate from James Lane of the What If helpline (0-1398 7346, www.whatifudo.com).
The free lucky draw had a record of 8 prizes!! Kim Fletcher contributed 3 dinners for 2 at Jameson’s Pub, a landmark already and he will now offer a free dinner for 2 every week, there were 4 big fresh quality sandwiches from Subway, on the ground floor of Carrefour and Globetrotter Bar and Restaurant, situated off Soi 7 not far from Beach Road offered a 1.200 baht dinner for 2, great Scandinavian food, but excellent pizza’s as well and more.
Before starting with the open microphone forum Niels announced that there are still tickets available for the dinner with the Pattaya police chief on Sunday April 24 at 18.30. He introduced Preben Hansen, a co-founder of the club, who was amazed by the huge turn out there is nowadays and finally he informed us that the German section will now have their breakfast-meeting twice each month on the first and the third Saturday at 10.00 am.
For questions about health insurance club sponsor F.A.S.T had brought an expert. Other questions asked were about stock exchanges abroad, paying import taxes under the table, the costs of emptying your septic tank and more. At the end all the ladies, about 20 by now, took to the stage and informed us of their activities. Next meeting there will be glass painting. To stay fit for their partners they will also do an aerobic dance on April 25, they have their regular weekday’s exercise hour anyway, climb the hill and will be cheering the beach soccer teams in Jomtien. So ladies, do join, it’s getting real! The sight of all these nice ladies together provided an ideal final to a great meeting.
Peter Visser
WEEKLY EMCEE. This is an edited version of last week due to Brian being away, probably did not want to get too wet.
Hi, I'm Brian Maxey (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)
Each Saturday just gets better & better. I don't know if we are getting better at what we do, or just the audiences getting more sophisticated, but I tend to sleep a lot Saturday evenings! Don't forget to retain the large part of your entry ticket as your proof of purchase & verification for the Lucky Draw Winner to claim the prize (please also have your membership card handy).
Ticket prices are 65 baht for members on production of a current PEC membership card (75 baht for non-members), and include the buffet and tea & coffee. There is a Bar with 'Happy Hour' prices (60 baht for Heineken, 25 baht for Chang).
Check out our website for tips to cut your phone costs -
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonetips.htm
This Newsletter is always available on our website, and separately on our 'BLOG' site, as well as a 'direct delivery' email if you give us your contact. You can sign up for an email on our website 'home page':
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/currentnewsletter.htm
http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com
We get far fewer questions relating to visas these days. Many folks comment that the website - visa section - answers many of their questions - if only you have the time to read it carefully a couple of times.
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/visainformation.htm
William wanted to share a soft scam that we probably have all been caught with at some time. If your house has a 'Septic Tank' waste system, emptying it can cost between 300 baht & 4,000 baht. 300 baht is the standard fee that City Hall charges to empty your tank. The other, higher, charges are the opportunists that roam the housing areas looking to score a hit. Secondly, it is unlikely that your tank will need more than 'once-a-year' emptying, unless your house is 'full' of people. Pattaya phone 038 429374, then respond to the computer by dialing extension 311.
I'm afraid a Vegetarian option is not available at the Buffet Table, and also the hotel cannot serve Decaffeinated Coffee at the meeting, although they do provide 'low-fat' & 'low-calorie' sweetener. Hot water is available for your own sachets of choice.
There is NO SMOKING anywhere in the Auditorium. There are two balconies available for smoking, private conversations, and telephone calls.
Keep the emails coming, tell us what you think of our club & it's many aspects, in it's new venue. Tell us what you like, tell us what you think is missing, tell us anything you want - always happy to know someone's listening.
Plenty of 'parking' at the Grand Solé.
Why not join us next Saturday 11:00am (1130 program start) at the Grand Solé Hotel, 2nd Road (north) (between Tops & Big C supermarkets) - introduce a friend.
Your MC, Brian. (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)
‘EDITORIAL PAGE’
The Pattaya Expats Club is honoured to have the following
HONORARY BOARD ADVISORS:
General Chatchai Tammaraksah, Personal General to His Majesty the King
Khunying Tidarat Tammaraksah, Assistant to Her Majesty the Queen
Khun Niran Wattanasasatorn, Mayor of Pattaya City
Khun Chanyut Hengtrakool, Member of Parliament
Pol. Col. Somnuk Changate, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station
Pol. Col. Ittipol Ittironnachai, Superintendent of Pattaya Immigration Police.
Khun Sansak Ngampiches, Owner of Grand Sole Hotel and senior politician in Pattaya
Khun Revat Phonlookin, Vice-Chairman of Chonburi Provincial Council
Khun Sanga Kitsamrej, Owner of the SK Group of companies and President of UPE
Khun Surat Mekavarakul, Owner of Mike business group
Khun Paisan Bundityanon, Owner of Rabbit Resort Pattaya
Khun Somchai Manothavorn, Advisor to the Mayor of Pattaya
Khun Sopin Theppajug, Owner of Diana Group of companies
Dr. Prasan Stianrapapongs, Specialist in Preventative Medicine at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
Kru Yodthong Senanan, Most respected teacher of Thai Boxing
Khun Porramate Inthornchumnom, Prosecutor at Pattaya Court
Khun Suttikorn Jearpaitoon, Owner of Alangkarn Pattaya
Khun Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director, Tourist Authority of Thailand (Pattaya Office)
CLUB BOARD MEMBERS
Club President & CEO, Niels Colov
Club Founder & Web-Master, Pete Mills.
Honorary Co-Founder, Preben Hansen
Club Vice Presidents, Pete Mills & Richard Ravensdale
Club Secretary (Memberships & Speakers), Denis Laurin
Board Secretary & Newsletter Editor, Bernard Leach
Club Treasurers, Michael Mayne & Paul Sinclair.
Board Members –Roger Carino, Herman van Gucht, William Hurndell, Colin de Jong, Brian Maxey, Peter B. Piedferme, Khun Ponthep Werachon, and Khun Laddawan Yingyong.
DIRECTORS OF P.E.C.CO.LTD.
F. Moret, M. Withers
Here is a calendar of World Events.
Fri-22-Apr-05 International Earth Day: April 22
Sat-23-Apr-05 St George Day - England, Portugal, Germany, Aragon, Genoa and Venice
Mon-25-Apr-05 Australia's ANZAC Remembrance Day
Sun-01-May-05 Visakha Bucha. Important Buddhist festival - Thailand
Sun-01-May-05 Labour Day - worldwide
Mon-02-May-05 Substitute Labour Day - worldwide
Thu-05-May-05 Coronation Day - Thailand
Sat-07-May-05 Royal Ploughing day
Sun-08-May-05 Mother's Day: Sunday, May 8
Tue-17-May-05 Norway's National day & Children's day
Sun-22-May-05 Visakha Bucha Day Public Holiday - important Buddha day
Mon-23-May-05 substitute Vasakha Bucha day
Mon-30-May-05 UK Public Holiday
Mon-30-May-05 USA Memorial Day
Tue-31-May-05 Earliest sunrise in Pattaya for the year
REGULAR MEETINGS OF GROUPS IN PATTAYA
Saturday - The Pattaya Expats Club - meet every Saturday morning 11:00am (start 11:30), at the "Grand Solé Hotel" (in the Teppraya Room, up on the Mezzanine level), 370 Pattaya 2nd Road (north), near the Tourist Police office. PEC information call (in Thailand) 0 1815 4580.
Saturday - UK Club of Pattaya meet each week at a different location at 1:00pm (1300). Call 038-426098 for venue
Saturday - The PRILL (a classical music trio) will be performing in the Lobby of the Bangkok/Pattaya Hospital 10:30 am to mid-day (1030-1200). Performances, every 1st Saturday of the month in the Lobby.
Saturday - Free Masons, Lodge Pattaya West Winds. Every 2nd Sat of the month. Call Jon Morgan 012999574
Sunday - The Scandinavian Expats of Pattaya - meet at Soi 4 Tower Condo every second Sun. Call John 015236080 or Per 070833834.
Monday - Rotary Club of Pattaya - meet at Town in Town hotel each Monday from 7:00pm (1900). Contact: 018154580.
Monday - Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Special meeting for 'newcomers' 4th Monday of each month. Contact Patricia Cromwell email PILC262@yahoo.com
Monday - Pattaya Bridge Club. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 13.00 pm Diana Inn, Second Road, between Soi 11 and 12. Contact janchris@ji-net.com
Tuesday - Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Morning coffee meeting every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Also PILC Lunch meeting every 1st Tuesday of the month. Special meeting for 'newcomers' 4th Monday of each month. Contact Patricia Cromwell for locations and speakers, or email PILC262@yahoo.com
Tuesday - Lions Club of Naklua Pattaya, meet Green Park Hotel 4th Tuesday of the month. Contact Sathawat Senapan 038222288
Wednesday - Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, Royal Cliff Grand from 1830. Call Judy Hoppe 099302004
Wednesday - Lions Club of Jomtien - meet at Town in Town hotel each 2nd Wednesday of the month. Call Peter 038303072.
Thursday - Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya meet each week at Woodlands Resort 1900. email tropicfr@gmx.ch
Thursday - Lions Club of Pattaya meet each 3rd Thursday of the month at A-One Cruise hotel. Contact Yongwith Kiewthong 038249162
Thursday - Lions Club of Phratamnak meet each 2nd Thursday of the month at A-One Cruise hotel. Contact Surat Permwallop 038421782
Thursday - Computer Club meet at DCO shop Central Road 1600. Contact email psca@Loxinfo.co.th
Friday - Dutch Expats Club meet last Fri of every month at Sea Breeze Hotel Jomtien Beach Road (near Soi 10), email koger@Loxinfo.co.th
Friday Night - The Pattaya Motorcycle Club meets at the "Old Speckled Hen" pub, Soi 9, Jomtien Beach from 8 p.m. Meet new friends and enjoy "Bike Club Happy Hours" 8 till 10 with 10 baht off all beers and soft drinks and 15 baht off all spirits. New runs to be organized from day trips to the beach to 2, 3 or 4 day tours to?? Contact Martin 09 9909342 or Az 09 9356011

Every Day - Alcoholics Anonymous meet every day of the week 1900 at Soi Skaw Beach. Call Jim 038303285, Craig 019967852, Tony 068403055, Hanns 019849501, Christain (German) 018634581
Every Day - Pattaya Sports Club meets at 3rd Road clubhouse every day 0900-1800. Contact 038361167.
Nordic Society Pattaya - all Nordic citizens welcome. Contact Ingemar 098244997.
CONTACTS & CONTRIBUTIONS to our weekly E NEWSLETTER. Bernard Leach is the editor of our Club Newsletter, members with NEWS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS should email in by WEDNESDAY12 NOON at bernjill@hotmail.com. Club Members seeking advice on practical topics such as Visas, work permits or services needed, please send an email direct to our MC and Open Microphone Forum specialist Brian Maxey at kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com. If Brian cannot answer your question from his own knowledge of Pattaya he'll forward on to someone who can. Member's emails on club business and policy issues please send to either Club President, Niels Colov dragone@loxinfo.co.th. Club Founder & Vice President Pete Mills on info@pattayaexpatsclub.com or Vice President Richard Ravensdale richardexpatsclub@yahoo.co.uk
ADVANCE SPEAKERS PROGRAMME. Please think of offering the Club a speaker of your choice on a theme you think members may find interesting. Contact Pattaya Expats Club Secretary, Denis Laurin djlauri@loxinfo.co.th with the details.
MEMBERSHIP CARDS. We produce our Club's laminated photo ID cards in just a few minutes at the same Saturday meeting in which you join or renew your membership. So if you are a past Pattaya Expats Club member and you can bring in a past ID card with the words 'Pattaya Expats Club' on you will get a new membership FREE of charge to expire 31 Dec 2005. The cards identify our members to staff at many shops and businesses around Pattaya where Club Members can claim our discounts. There are two membership options one expiring 31 December 2005 for 150 Baht or a Life Membership for 600 Baht. To get a new card please bring in two small driving licence style photos and see Paul Sinclair, Michael Mayne or Denis Laurin
PATTAYA EXPATS CLUB ….ON SOPHON CABLE TV. 5 times per day. Watch Club news during the week. President of the Club, Niels Colov, who is the Chief Executive of 'Pattaya People News Channel' on Sophon Cable, Pattaya City's cable TV operator, has very kindly provided a regular segment of each show, devoted to Pattaya Expats Club news. This is a wonderful regular 'free gift' to our Club of highly valuable TV time! This is a 60 minute local News bulletin five times per day at the following times: On Cable Channel 5 showing at 0800 hrs and 1200 noon.On cable Channel 2 at 1600hrs and 2400 midnight.Plus peak evening bulletin at 2000hrs on Cable Channel 4.(These are the channels which show English language movies on Sophon Cable.)
Best Regards to all
From Pattaya Expats Club