Pattaya Expats Club Newsletter April 27, 2005

E NEWSLETTER 27 April 2005
Dear Pattaya Expats Club Members & Friends
SATURDAYS at 1100 A.M. PATTAYA EXPATS CLUB Presents
SATURDAY LUNCHTIME KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & CONVERSATION for 30 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.
GUEST SPEAKERS LINE UP 30 April 2005. Supplied by Denis Laurin Here it
is, another "happy event" at the Pattaya Expats Club "Grand Sole Hotel",
Thappaya meeting room.
Our guest speaker this Saturday is none other then Donna Pollard, the
Care Management Nurse of Bupa Health Insurance, one of the better and longer
known Health Insurance Companies in Thailand. Donna brings with her a
career as a Registered Nurse and as a Matron in English Hospitals and she will
talk to us about the importance of Health Insurance.
BUPA by the way is known the world over, sometimes as Blue Cross. She
will explain to us her role, here in the Chonburi Province, as Care
Management Nurse and the all important factor of how to complete an application
form for a proper Health Insurance.
On the "Weekly Draw" we still have the unique chance of having a dinner
for two from our generous Landlord, Kim Fletcher, at his grand Jamieson's
Irish Pub, only a short distance away from our meeting place. Someone missed
the "Alangkarn" offer, and no we haven't misplaced them, we simply stretch
the pleasure in time. This week we will have two vouchers to give
away for this super Extravaganza spectacle and the Globetrotter are
back with a dinner for two.
We will have, as usual, "Our lady's corner" and "boy" is it ever
growing with all sorts of new and good information on popular pastimes, from
aerobics, to painting, to knitting, to...you name it, Khun Laddawan and
newly wed; Khun "Hurndell" are the spirits and leaders of the group and
I have heard that Miss Cecilia is putting in her "satang" worth of
spices.
Great couple of hours to spend on Saturday morning, we’re expecting
you, COME ON IN and don't forget, bring a friend.

MEETING REPORT PATTAYA EXPATSCLUB April 23, 2005

If the low season is about to start now, there were no signs of that at
the meeting of the Pattaya Expats Club. A lot of people and action both in
and outside the Tappraya meeting room of the Grand Sole Hotel. Club
President Niels Colov was the stand in MC again and the latest weekly Expats
Information-bulletin, telling us everything about the activities within
the club, was handed out to everybody.

The main guest speaker today was Tom Coghlan, managing director of
Canine Specialists Protection (Thailand), Co. Ltd. He gave us an insight in
the training of dogs to become instrumental players in a search and rescue
team.
In a great video presentation, including a moving documentary, he took
us to a devastating earthquake in Turkey, massive floods in Mozambique and
the tsunami-disaster in our own backyard. But the crowd was also fascinated
by his stories about the human tragedies, risks and adventures that come
with it. There were many questions for Tom and finally, Alex, one of the
dogs in training, almost ready to save lives, took stage. Read the extended
summary of this presentation, written by Lenny Holden, elsewhere in this
newsletter.

Then Peter Meuleman, the volunteer expert at the Immigration Police and
Labour Department helpdesk, outside of the meeting room, informed us
about the services that they have provided so far. Plenty of people visit the
counter. By the way, the official opening will take place in a few
weeks time. He also told that soon even more forms will be available and
forms will also be translated into some other languages.

MC Niels called the treasurer of the club on stage that then was
offered a digital camera by Herman van Gucht, a board member of the expats club,
who has very generously donated this valuable equipment. The club can now
step up the communication and documentation of its many activities.

After that a delegation of Thai guests appeared on stage, among them
two army officers. They made us aware of a thousand years old healthy
Chinese drink, called notoginseng or sanqi, that can benefit heart and liver,
lower blood pressure and cholesterol, enhance immunity and last but not
least, prevent early aging. They were willing to let the attendants undergo a
blood test and bone structure check outside of the room after the meeting
(surf to WWW.chinesesanqi.com or www.perfectlife.co.th)..

MC Niels welcomed back (from illness) Khun Ponthep Werachon, who
brought with him some of his very useful legal handbooks in Thai and Dutch
about ownership and Thai marriage (only 200 baht). He also told us what to
expect from the dinner with the Pattaya police chief the next day and
obviously the chief is preparing for a great event. The Grand Sole hotel will sponsor all the soft drinks on this special evening.

Records keep being broken in the weekly free lucky draw (only for
members!). This time: 2 tickets for the movie award-event at Alangkarn later that
day, another dinner for 2 at Jameson’s, the great Irish pub and restaurant
at the Nova Park apartments, a dinner for 2 at Opsinjoor, a nice new
restaurant in Soi Day Night, 4 more super sandwiches from Subway at Carrefour and
guest speaker, dog trainer Tom from Canine Specialists Protection (CSP), was
so kind to offer a bottle of good Scotch whiskey (or was it perfume?).
Niels then thanked the main club sponsors and said that more would be
welcome. He asked the members to try to convince people to join as a sponsor. Main
purpose must be to support the expats club, but of course they will be
given many opportunities to give their products a plug, but in a way that
attendees of the meeting never feel obliged to buy from them.

Brian Maxey, though officially on holiday, couldn’t stay away and took
charge of the final part, the popular Open Microphone Forum. Though now
a lot of questions, especially about visas, can be answered outside the
room, there are still many subjects people want to discuss. In front of
Alcazar or in the Jomtien Complex private post office boxes are available at
reasonable prices (about 1.000 baht a year). A Thai lady is looking for a German
teacher, please call 01-8619361. People wondered where to get a
generator, translation services or dual language business cards made. A lot of
experts joined in. The meeting manager taught us how to pronounce Carrefour
correctly, the house lawyer had some advice for a businessman who is
struggling with his annual report and a club sponsor (the owner of
Liberty Computers) warned of the danger of internet banking in an internet
cafe. A lot of experiences, warnings, and solutions were exchanged regarding
the safe use of ATM-machines and credit cards.

After the meeting it looked like another one took place outside. People
were consulting the immigration helpdesk and the house lawyer, undergoing
the test from the Chinese sanqi-men, gazing at the glass paintings the
ladies produced during their meeting that gets bigger all the time, visiting
the stands of the club sponsors or just socializing. Every reason for you,
and your spouse, to join in. See you next Saturday.

Peter Visser

Main Speakers Report PATTAYA EXPATS CLUB April 23, 2005On Saturday,
April 23, 2005, Mr. Tom Coghlan, Managing Director of Canine Specialists
Protection (Thailand), Co. Ltd, spoke at our weekly Expats Meeting.
Tom served with the Manchester Police for 28 years. During the latter part
of his police career Tom trained and handled K9 Police Working Dogs. He
also graduated from the United Kingdom’s Disaster Management Course. For
the last three years Tom has provided Dog and Security services to local
Resorts and Hotels, Commercial Premises, Residential Communities, and in
support of Government and military events throughout Thailand. Tom detailed the
history of using canines throughout the last century and how a dog’s
special senses, particularly scent, has aided us during past wars and during
search and rescue operations following natural disasters. Tom provided an
overview on the type of dogs selected for this particular type of work
and the training regimes both the dog and its handler undergoes before they
become an effective Search and Rescue team. Not surprisingly “gun
dogs” such as German Shepherds, Retrievers, and Border Collies are utilized
for this type of work. Tom noted that in order for a dog to be selected
for training the dog must have a playful disposition and an innate
willingness to please. Training includes teaching the dog to relay information to
its handler either by barking or through body language, and getting the dog
accustomed to working under unique situations such as high above the
ground or in small enclosed places. The dog handler also undergoes training.
The handler must learn how to understand the dog’s body language,
understand and respect its capabilities and limitations, and foremost show constant
love and tenderness towards the canine. (All in all sound ingredients for
our own relationships: playful disposition, willingness to please,
understanding body language, respect, and constant love and tenderness.) After Tom
retired from the British Police Force and prior to relocating to
Thailand, he led British Search and Rescue Teams as a Team Leader and Dog
Handler. In this capacity Tom deployed to areas affected by natural disasters which include the earthquake that devastated Turkey in 1999 and the floods
that struck Mozambique in 2000. Tom detailed the challenges and successes
he experienced in each of these endeavors and showed a short BBC film that
depicted his team in action in Turkey. Of note and closer to home was
Tom’s more recent deployment in support of the post-Tsunami recovery effort
in Southern Thailand in late December 2004. Tom stated that what he saw
throughout his past deployments around the world could not compare to
what he encountered in the Phi-Phi Islands or Khao Lak. The wreckage caused
by an earthquake and the destruction of a flood is severe; however in such
natural disasters there is a chance of survival: those stuck under
rubble still may have a pocket of air to live on until help arrives; floods
often rise at a pace where most can seek shelter on higher ground. The 26
December Tsunami was not so merciful. Those trapped by debris drowned,
many of the deceased could not out run the towering waves. In the end there
really was no such search and rescue operations in southern Thailand;
instead it was merely a recovery operation – locating those that fell
victim. Although search dogs did not locate any living people in these
devastated regions, the bodies they did find did bring some closure to
those who lost loved ones to the Wave. After the Expat meeting, Mr. Niels
Colov, President & CEO of the Expat Club and Managing Director of Pattaya
People interviewed Tom to give the Pattaya People’s television viewing
audience a glimpse into the interesting topic of Working Dogs in Search and
Rescue. On May 21, 2005 Tom will be returning to the Expat Meeting where he will
discuss training and employment of Explosive Detection Dog Teams and
Terrorist Operations.

WEEKLY EMCEE.
Hi, I'm Brian Maxey (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)
23 April meeting - I only performed the 'open microphone' segment
today.
Nice to have a break, I wish folks would offer to stand-in for us more
often. Thanks to Niels for leading the last two events, but don't go
too far away!

I think most of you have got the hang of the 'ticketing' now. Retain
the large part of your entry ticket as your proof of purchase &
verification for the Lucky Draw Winner to claim the prize (please have your membership card handy).

The National Days celebrated over the last week were:
England - St George's Day April 23
Australia - Anzac Day April 25 (not really a national day)
We will speak of these next Saturday.

Open forum question arising from Saturday:
Business cards in two languages are available in Big 'C' on 2nd Road,
upstairs in the central section, just opposite 'Fantasia' internet
shop.

Mail boxes are available in Safe Independent, Jomtien Complex Condotel,
ground floor. 1000B a year. Security Boxes 300B per month. Storage
Space 300B per m3

Government Post Office mail boxes are available (waiting list) in Soi
13, Beach Road, 150B a year.

Khun Ponthep (PEC Lawyer) contact 014234255

Translation services are advertised in the Pattaya Mail. Of course it
varies in cost as to whether you wish for 'contract style' accuracy, or just
approximate 'interpretation'. Email: malisa205@yahoo.com for
Thai/English.
Translation/Secretarial services. Thai, English, French, Spanish.
Email, fax or post your originals. Prompt returns. 016858955.

The British Solicitor who spoke at the old venue, who travels between
UK & Thailand regularly, thus enabling UK legal business to be addressed
here, and enacted back in his UK office. The personalisation aspect was
appealing.
His details are: Kevin Harper, email: kevinatchipping@aol.com Thai
contact: 070094171, UK contacts: +44 (0) 7967 995123 (mobile), +44 (0) 1254
677099 (office).

Check out our website for tips to cut your phone costs -
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephone_tips.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/newsletter.htm
http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com

The Club's 'Chat Forum' link is:
http://s8.invisionfree.com/expats/index.php? you will need to set up a
username the first time you visit, but the forum is an excellent place
to 'talk' to people worldwide about anything you want to know - try it.

(Please note the German Language group have now moved to a new time &
day - 10:00 on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month - e.g. 7th May, 21st May,
4th June, 18th June)
If you attend the German Language group, you are welcome to stay on for
the International event. Your entry ticket covers both events.

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. If that seems
like too much trouble, come and ask Peter Meuleman our Immigration
representative, at the meeting every Saturday.
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/visa_help.htm

William's tip on avoiding the scam relating to emptying of 'Septic
Tank' waste systems has saved a few baht. If you missed it, come along on
Saturday and ask. Pattaya phone 038 429374, then respond to 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 & its many
aspects, in its 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.

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
Joint Club Treasurers, Michael Mayne & Paul Sinclair.
Club 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.
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