Friday, March 09, 2007

PEC Program for 11 Mar / Report from 4 Mar 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 11 March, 2007:
Our speaker for this Sunday is Steve Dickens, Liberty Computers Pattaya. An update to the ever changing computer scene, and an opportunity to ask questions.
We again have the pleasure of relaxing with Donaat Vernieuwe, showing us how computer junkies can stay fit and healthy on their chairs! Based on Yoga and other techniques, Donaat will demonstrate more of his techniques on how to pre-empt those annoying back and shoulder cramps! Donaat studied and practiced yoga, hypnosis, and other relaxation techniques, which he has passed on in seminars to many industrial and educational groups.
Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Brian, and Loran will host the Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !
The PEC's DVD and Book Swap will be in the front left of the meeting room. Bring in those books, magazines and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! Many thanks to PEC members Ray and Joyce Aldridge for their help with this project!
We also want to remind members that the PIH (Pattaya International Hospital) is offering check-ups men and women over 50 from 2,800 baht to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on any in-patient medical costs. The PIH is also offering a free blood sugar test to our members on every first Sunday of the month. (The next test date is Sunday, 1 April.) If you would like to have this test, please do not eat or drink after mid-night, before coming to the meeting.
Events Around Town:
VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA. Vegetarian Adventure Buffet only 99 Baht. Every 2nd Tuesday of month. Next 13th March at 18.00pm. Cafe New Orleans, Soi Pattayaland 2. Everyone welcome. Limited seating. Reservations required. Tel: 038-710-805 (Mikey). info@pattayapeople.com
MANTRA SPARKLING CHARITY. Until 21st April the Mantra Restaurant is holding a Champagne Charity Fundraising. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the "Baht for a Better Life Foundation", to further the education of and build schools for underprivileged children in Thailand. Tel: 038 429 591.
YOGA TRAINING will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm until 1st May, 2007 at the Public Health Center on Soi Buakhao.
BARTERCARD TRADE EXPO on 10th March at Town In Town Hotel in Pattaya 10.30am until 4pm.
ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp 1 from 15th March - 11th April. Camp 2 from 16th April - 13th May. Join the fun at Asian U English Summer Camps. A busy academic programme combined with an active social programme to give youngsters an enjoyable, productive way to spend their summer holidays. Asian U website: www.asianust.ac.th or e-mail admissions@asianust.ac.th or telephone 038 754 450.
PATTAYA BRIDGE CLUB: Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 13.00 at the Tropicana Hotel, North Pattaya; between the Beach Road and 2nd Road. Players of all abilities are welcome. Tel 038 422924, mobile 086 7445386. www.pattayabridge.com
'Sunday Unplugged' Jam SessionsAt the Bristol Music, Bar Soi 6, Jomtien, every Sunday 1900-2300. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds help to support The Camillion Society of Rayong, which manages six projects for HIV positive children and adults. For more info call Danny at 08-471-21819.
BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or lbcrone@hotmail.com
We are announcing our Lucky Draw prize winners throughout the meeting with the prizes randomly selected after the Open Forum. These prizes are dinners for two at fine restaurants around the city, such as Jameson's and The Globetrotter, another great reason to be a member and to come into the Pattaya Expats Club this Sunday 11:30 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.
We have our start time of speakers programme from 11:30 am, with the optional brunch from about 10:30 am till after 12 noon. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that, we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.
In the club's memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 200 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. Bring two small photos (2.5cm x 2.5cm) and your card is laminated and ready at the same meeting.
Display tables have in-depth information from regular expert contributors in their field. Our Microphone announcement at 11:10am confirms who is available to consult free of charge. For example, The Pattaya International Hospital table often includes regular FREE testing of blood groups, blood sugar, blood pressure and lung function to help you stay healthy.
Advice on insurance policies is available from AA Insurance - including the club member's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year, with a premium at under 11,000 B - please show your member's card to apply. They also have a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover available.
Tickets available from 10:30 AM when hall doors open for seating. The table plan is usually in friendly format tables for eight or ten - so please allow the 'gaps' to be filled by new arrivals at your table. --------- And the MC Report from 4 March Meeting:
Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.
To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)
Programme Manager:- Loran. Meeting Manager:- enRico. Brian was our MC today, with Loran as Open-Forum Moderator.
Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week.
Our main Speaker today was:- Thor Haland, continuing his series of History of Thailand talks, accompanied by Powerpoint graphics. This (number 2 in the series) was a delightful look at the important and often changing face of the people who forged this land and it's neighbours. This was known as the Ayutthaya period (number 1 being the Sukhothai period). Thor pointed out that this past capital city can be easily reached in a day and houses many ruined palaces and religious sites, and is well worth a visit.
Our 2nd Speaker was Belgium Member Donaat Vernieuwe, showing us how computer junkies can stay fit and healthy on their chairs! Based on Yoga and other techniques, Donaat demonstrated (along with a Powerpoint presentation) more of his techniques on how to pre-empt those annoying back and shoulder cramps.
Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :)
The Experts Open Forum this week was Moderated by Loran, and featured an AA Insurance representative. Various questions ensued, bringing answers both from the floor and stage.
11th march is the Spring Equinox in our part of the world. After this, days will be longer than nights - good for the beach, not so good for Walking Street. Summer is definitely on it's way. Songkran is only about a month away - time to hibernate soon!
I've just completed my annual trip to the Vehicle Registration Office to obtain replacement discs for my windshield. I'm delighted to report the costs were the same as last year - no increases. For my 2-door pick-up truck the fixed charges are: Government compulsory insurance 1074 baht - Vehicle check 200 baht - Vehicle road use tax 1050 baht. Charges vary with vehicle type.
The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.
US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.
Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings.
Why not come along next Sunday morning 10:30am (11:30 program start) to the Grand Solé Hotel (in the Theppraya Room, up on the Mezzanine level), 370 Pattaya 2nd Road (north), near the Pattaya Mail Office. Hotel tel: 038 427 555 Fax: 038 427 550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.
For location - link to: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)
PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)
See you soon, MC - Brian.