Pattaya Expats Club

PEC Program for 15 Apr / Report from 8 Apr 2007

2007-04-14T14:43:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 15th April, 2007:

We have a great entertaining Songkran special for you this week with the Australian expat author and 'raconteur' Marc Holt. (For the educationally challenged that's not someone who keeps raccoon's in their back garden but means a master storyteller...) He will have an illustrated PowerPoint presentation, but start with a short stand-up comedy act, and then talk about how he started his character Foster Foskin, plus a reading of Foster's poems. Then he will take any questions from the audience.

Marc is Bangkok based, and has a new column in the Pattaya Trader magazine - 'Foster Foskin's Agony Column'. The Foster character started out in the ongoing series, 'The Chronicles of Foster Foskin's Adventures in Thailand ', which first appeared in StickmanBangkok.com. So far, Marc has published 18 chapters with more on the way. He has this on a blog too: http://holtww.com/holtblog/?p=3

Some new Club Notices will be given by Vice President Richard Ravensdale. Four new board members who have all worked hard for more than the minimum six months in our voluntary service team have now been elected to the PECs Board of Trustees. They will be presented on stage - they are Arvid Tviberg, Jahir Khan, enRico Nestler and Steen Joergensen. The club meeting format has a change of style too - a shorter meeting duration to 90 minutes to end at 1pm - so please attend this week to cast a club members vote on the subject. The Production Team and the Board of Trustees are also being polled on the subject this week. It will involve a trial period without MCs, just brief segment links by the Duty Meeting Managers - who know the running order of the programme. The aim is to improve the actual programme content with more regular features and top grade main speakers. Open Forum may also be more democratic - with a club member suggested by the audience to lead it each week. So if you fancy a spell on the mike refereeing questions and answers on all and everything please come this Sunday and apply to the Meeting Manager.

News...JR Travel of Jomtien, known for their discounts offers to PEC members have done it again. News of their latest offer at the club this week.

News...Our Lucky Draw Prizes are worth your visit alone this Sunday morning, drawn throughout the meeting, up to 11 Prizes are expected this week, dinners at such excellent restaurants as Globetrotter, Jameson's, Tropical Bert's, Plazma Pub, Boxing Roo, Book prizes from Canterbury Tales Café bookshop, and Flower bouquet Prizes from The Orchid shop. So each club member has a high chance of winning.

News...There will also be tickets on sale at 75 baht from this week for the monthly club members 'social gathering' breakfast at the Canterbury Tales Café, Soi Chaiyapoon, off Soi Buakhao. This is held the last Thursday of each month - 26th April. Tickets from Duty Meeting Manager this Sunday - enRico Nestler.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Club Vice President, Richard Ravensdale, and a Club member from the audience will be asked to host our 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!

We also want to remind members that the PIH (Pattaya International Hospital) is offering check-ups for men and women over 50 from 2,800 baht, up to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on certain inpatient medical costs - a discount on room rates and physical therapies only.

The Pattaya People Weekly newspaper is now available worldwide in a PDF format at the following website:
http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

Events Around Town:

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL on 13th/14th/15th April. ..and by special demand 19th too.

YOGA TRAINING will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm to the 1st May, 2007 at the Public Health Center on Soi Buakhao.

PATTAYA BRIDGE CLUB: Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 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

Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport :

Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM . The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.

A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road ). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:

Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.
Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.

At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.

We will have our late-morning 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.

Wherever you are in the world today, we wish you a wonderful upcoming weekend, and if you are not already enjoying life in Pattaya - then come back soon and best wishes from all of us at the Pattaya Expats Club.

And last week's Meeting update for 08 April 2007

Programme Manager:- Loran. - Meeting Manager:- enRico. - MC:- enRico. - Open-Forum Moderator:- Brian.

To contact PEC by email: (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)
Our Vice-President is due back this week and should be at the next Meeting - welcome back Richard.

A face from PEC's past appeared last Sunday, Dave Watson is now back living & working in UK. Dave was an important part of the original few who started the club back in 2001. Dave is just visiting for a few weeks, and hopes to be with us again this coming Sunday.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of background preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email.

Our main Speaker today was:- Dr. Karnchana Kittisarapong M.D., a specialist in the field of Allergies and Immunology. She originally trained as a paediatrician in Bangkok 's Mahidol University, and later with a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Ramathibodi Hospital at the same university. There were many questions from the floor on allergic reactions and treatment of this annoying, and sometimes dangerous affliction.

Out in the foyer PIH staff also gave tests and check-ups free to our Club Members, including Blood Sugar tests. If you want to participate in this one please do not eat from the previous evening until after you take the test, which is ONLY available on the first Sunday of the month.

Our second Speaker was the popular motorbike taxi, street wise, club psychologist Khun Sombat who tackled the huge subject of - How to be safe in Thailand's Traffic. His advice was as follows: do not drink & drive, stay calm, don't try to drive as you would back home - fit into the local traffic pattern, beware of motorcycles driving on either side of you in both directions, and never leave home without your insurance!

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!

Fancy a 12 hour sea fishing trip off Sattahip? Next trip planned for 28 April 0600 to1800. Contact James 0848717649.

Bangkok's 2nd airport opened 25 march. Don Muang Airport is designated on tickets as DMK, Suvarnabhumi Airport is designated BKK.

A fast and cheap way to get between the New Airport and downtown Bangkok is the shared-passenger NGV (natural gas vehicle) minivans that run from various parts of the city. They are clean (many are new), cheap, convenient, hassle-free, and fast as they do the trip via toll-roads. There are various routes from around the city, but here are the details to/from Victory Monument and, thus, a BTS Skytrain.

BTS/Victory Monument to the airport: Take the Skytrain to Victory Monument, walk the Skywalk to the right and down the stairs to the 7-Eleven and Dunkin' Donuts stands. Usually very near there, to the right of these stands, in the city bus queue is one of these vans (some or all have NGV written on them) waiting to fill up, which they do quickly. Cost - around 45 baht, drive-time to airport in rush hour - about 25 minutes. Confirm with the driver that they are going to Suvarnabhumi, they will throw your luggage in the back, pay him, and go. They'll drop you off at the terminal. If the minivan isn't in the roundabout queue, you can either wait for one to arrive, or do a little exploring. There's a little side soi that sort-of tucks under an expressway, there are about a hundred shared-passenger minivans under there waiting to go to different parts of the city, just ask around for the one to Suvarnabhumi. This is a sweet, cheap, option from City to Airport.

When travelling from airport: Leave the Departure terminal door with your baggage (Arrivals is much busier) and take the Shuttle Bus for a 5+ minute ride to the airport's public transportation centre (where city buses and taxis park). Upon arrival look for minivans that are at the end of the long row of big city buses. There will be many and they have the letters NGV on them and destinations in Thai and English. There are several tables where you buy a ticket for the minivan. Find the right ticket seller for your destination, pay your 45 baht or so, and get in the correct minivan. When it's full, you'll be on your way via toll-ways to your destination. Choosing a route to a BTS station extends your choices of final destination! Try it, and tell us what you think.

Member Glenis is a volunteer helper with the Father Ray Foundation, she is teaching the children. She would like your help with a few low-cost items that you might usually throw away. If you can bring these to the meetings she will collect. Empty Lipton Tea boxes, Dutch Milk half-litre plastic bottles + tops, any water bottle tops.

We were asked if anyone knows of a contact to take care of stray dogs. If you actually mean CARE, then Tony (of Disco & Gym fame) will arrange to pick up sick strays and have them cared for.

I recently checked with the Yellow Bus company in Soi Chaiyaphuk near Jomtien Beach. They do NOT run a bus to the old airport Don Muang - yet. The timetable to the new airport remains the same.

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.

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: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)
PEC website:- (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)
PEC email:- (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com) & (webhits2000@yahoo.com)
See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 8 Apr / Report from 1 Apr 2007

2007-04-06T12:42:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 8th April, 2007:
News...Our Lucky Draw Prizes are worth your visit alone this Sunday morning, drawn throughout the meeting, up to 14 Prizes are expected this week, dinners at such excellenet restaurants as Globetrotter, Jameson's, Tropical Berts, Plazma Pub, Boxing Roo, Book prizes from Canterbury Tales Café bookshop, and 5 Flower bouquet Prizes. So each club member has a high chance of winning.

This is another periodic club health week courtesy of Pattaya International Hospital with an illustrated Powerpoint digital slides medical talk by Dr Karnchana Kittisarapong M.D. who is a specialist in the field of Allergies and Immunology. The talk theme is Allergic Rhinitis. Dr Karnchana originally trained as a pediatrician in Bangkok's Mahidol University later with a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Ramathibodi Hospital at the same university. She was a visiting doctor at Westcoast Clinical Trial Centre, Long Beach , California and has worked in a number of Thai hospitals including Chonburi, Royal Thai Airforce Hospital , Phayathai hospital's in Bangkok and Sri Racha as a Pediatrician, and specialist in Allergy and Immunology, and most recently at Kasemraj Hospital Bangkok before joining the PIH this year. She is very familiar with Thailand's East coast!

Out in the foyer PIH staff will also give tests and check ups free to our club members including this week Blood Sugar tests. If you want to participate in this one please do not eat from the previous evening until after you take the test.

Our 2nd speaker is the popular motorbike taxi street wise club psychologist Khun Sombat who this week tackles the perennial subject of how to handle Thai Traffic.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be enRico, and Brian 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 Pattaya People Weekly newspaper is now available worldwide in a PDF format at the following website:
http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

Events Around Town:

NOTE: The Immigration Office on Soi 5 in Jomtien is now closed on Saturdays.

EASTER DAY is on 8th April.

VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA. Vegetarian Buffet: for 99 Baht. Every 2nd Tuesday of month. Next: 10th April at 18.00pm . Cafe New Orleans , Soi Pattayaland 2. Everyone welcome. Limited seating. Reservations required. Tel: 038-710-805 info@pattayapeople.com

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL on 13th to 20th April.

Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:
Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.
A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road ). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:
Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930. Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.
At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.

We will have our late-morning 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.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 10:30 , are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 200 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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 are sold 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 1 April Meeting:
Programme Manager:- Loran.
Meeting Manager:- enRico.
MC:- enRico.
Open-Forum Moderator:- Brian.

To contact PEC by email: (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

Hi, I'm an occasional MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.
Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of background preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email. Also, we urgently need to expand our MC group. So if you have stage experience, or would just like to try-out to join our 2 current MCs, contact us. It's not as difficult as it may seem, and we are always looking for different styles to provide variety at our Meetings.

Our main Speaker today was:- Dr.Sopon Pornchokchai, who addressed the club on Real Estate Valuations. Khun Sopon has been a consultant to the UN-Habitat, ILO, ESCAP, FAO, and other international organizations. He is an experienced valuer, urban planner and real estate analyst since 1980. His lectures are usually aimed at Real Estate businessmen, but some areas of his speech were applicable to our guests. He is President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (www.area.co.th) which is the largest real estate information centre in Thailand. He also established the Thai Real Estate Business School (www.trebs.ac.th) which is an international real estate education institution located in Thailand. He is president of the Thai Appraisal Foundation, a director of the ASEAN Valuers Association, a board member of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Board. He also serves as an advisor to the Property Managers Association of Thailand and the Housing Mortgage Association. He is an advisor to the Appraisal Foundation, Washington D.C. and the country representative of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) based in Chicago.

Our second Speaker had good audience participation during her short Thai Language lesson. Khun Yok teaches Thai in group or individually at her school on Naklua Road, 119/77, opposite Wat Po. She demonstrated tones, pronunciation, and coached a few useful & topical phrases. You can contact her at: email (yok_teach_thai@yahoo.co.th), or 08 9166 4899.

Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week, time permitting, and has a maximum time allowed of 30 minutes. Come and ask the expat experts! :)

Fancy a 12 hour sea fishing trip off Sattahip? Next trip planned for 28 April 0600 to1800. Contact James 0848717649.

Bangkok's 2nd airport opened 25 march. Don Muang Airport is designated on tickets as DMK, Suvarnabhumi Airport is designated BKK.

All Orange mobile phone numbers have been taken over by True Company. The office is in Royal Garden Plaza 2 floors up. Also UBC is now designated True-UBC.

David came to see us, and left many flyers about UK pensions. He reminds us that British non-UK residents will forfeit any future increase to their government pension, and he wants folks to join him in passing on their response to this situation to the UK authorities. He calls for a concerted response during the week 2 to 8 April by email & letter. I spoke about these flyers and within a few minutes they were gone. Contact David on 0899318061.

Member Glenis is a volunteer helper with the Father Ray Foundation, she is teaching the children. She would like your help with a few low-cost items that you might usually throw away. If you can bring these to the meetings she will collect. Empty Lipton Tea boxes, Dutch Milk half-litre plastic bottles + tops, any water bottle tops.

Derrick McCarrick, otherwise known as 'Roger the Rabbit' invites all members to join him in a Pattaya 'Half-Marathon' (one has to start easy!) July 15. He is performing his 'Roger Rabbit' run to support the Ban Jing Jai Children's home, and would love you to support him for that purpose. He is in his 70's, an ex-London-Cabbie, and fit as a fiddle! Derrick is running the London Marathon on April 22, but it's a bit late for you all to join him, now. (Wow, that's a relief!)

Stuart brought us 5 Draw prizes from - Thai Orchid - flower modelling store, out near the new Condotel just past Bruno's restaurant on the way to Jomtien, along with a promise of more later.

I asked a member what the date was on Sunday. He showed me his new watch, it read Sunday 32 March - Now that's some April-fool Joke!

We were asked if anyone knows of an contact to take care of stray dogs.

I've just checked with the Yellow Bus company in Soi Chaiyaphuk near Jomtien Beach. They do NOT run a bus to the old airport Don Meuang - yet. The timetable to the new airport remains the same.

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.

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: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)
PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)
PEC email:- (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com) & (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 1 Apr / Report from 25 Mar 2007

2007-03-30T17:57:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 1 April, 2007:

Our speaker for Sunday is Dr.Sopon Pornchokchai, who will address the club on Real Estate Valuations. Khun Sopon has been a consultant to the UN-Habitat, ILO, ESCAP, FAO, and other international organizations. He is an experienced valuer, urban planner and real estate analyst since 1980. He owns and is the president of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (www.area.co.th) which is the largest real estate information centre in Thailand. AREA is also the only wholly ISO 9001 certified property consultant firm in Thailand. AREA won the 2005 ethical award from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the UN Global Compact on Good Governance. He also established the Thai Real Estate Business School (www.trebs.ac.th) which is an international real estate education institution located in Thailand.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be enRico, and Brian 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 for 2,800 baht, up to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on some 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 before coming to the meeting.

The Pattaya People Weekly newspaper is now available worldwide in a PDF format at the following website: http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

Events Around Town:
The Immigration Office on Soi 5 in Jomtien is now closed on Saturdays.
PATTAYA BEACH FOOTBALL event will be held at the multi-purpose field on Jomtien Beach starting from 1st to 8th of April.
CHENG MENG CHINESE CEREMONY is on 5th April.
DANCE ON THE BEACH on Saturday, 7th April. Venue to be announced. Tel: 081-863-1027
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL on 13th/14th/15th April.
ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp I from 15th March - 11th April. Camp II 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. Information from Asian U website: www.asianust.ac.th or e-mail admissions@asianust.ac.th or telephone 038 754 450.

Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:
Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.
A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:
Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.
At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.

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.

Club sponsor Key Visa Co Ltd, represented by Darren McGarry and Stephen Wilson, offer our members free advice on personal Thai visa and immigration queries. ---------

And the MC Report from 25 March Meeting:
Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.
To contact PEC by email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com) (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com - does not work)
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. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email. Also, we urgently need to expand our MC group. So if you have stage experience, or would just like to try-out to join our 2 current MCs, contact us. It's not as difficult as it may seem, and we are always looking for different styles to provide variety at our Meetings.

Our main Speaker today was:- Herr Werner Schmidt. He introduced a new bio-pesticide from Germany named "Permedan". This is a new generation water-based contact pest control spray. It does not smell, is non-toxic, and kills only cold-blooded insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, wasps, fleas, mites, termites, woodlice, ticks, roaches, silverfish, lice, spiders, etc. Apparently domestic pets are safe. Werner gave a very relaxed, informative, and often humorous presentation, easily holding the interest of the members. Later he offered a discount to all as they left the meeting. Contact: 0878351136 (German & English), 0871265213 (Thai). Werner is also looking for contacts to expand sales internationally.

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! :)

Fancy a 12 hour sea fishing trip off Sattahip? Next trip planned for 28 April. Contact James 0848717649.

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital has a club for patients who have undergone eyesight surgery, or wish to find out more - what a great idea for those seeking answers before surgery. (http://www.supersightclub.com).

Bangkok's 2nd airport opened 25 march. Don Muang Airport is designated on tickets as DMK, Suvarnabhumi Airport is designated BKK.

All Orange mobile phone numbers have been taken over by True Company. The office is in Royal Garden Plaza 2 floors up. Also UBC is now designated True-UBC.

Come and learn a few Thai phrases with Khun Yok, next Sunday.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in May, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

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: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)
PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)
PEC email:- (webhits2000@yahoo.com)
See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 25 Mar / Report from 18 Mar 2007

2007-03-24T16:25:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 25 March, 2007:
Khun Werner Schmidt, will introduce a new bio-pesticide from Germany named "Permedan". This new generation of pest control does not smell, is non-toxic and safe for domestic pets, and kills only cold-blooded insects, such as flies, mosquitos, wasps, fleas, ticks, spiders, etc.
Werner will offer club members deeply discounted bottles and sprays of the insecticide outside the meeting room, on a table in the foyer, if anyone wishes to sample the product.
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!
Events Around Town:
NOTE: The Immigration Office on Soi 5 in Jomtien is now closed on Saturdays.
TEQUILA REEF celebrating 6th Anniversary with Gala Party on 24th March from 6.00pm. Soi 7, Beach Road.--------- And the MC Report from 18 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. Alexander 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. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email.
Our main Speaker today was:- Rotarian and Master Mariner, Captain John Blair, who told us about The Mobility Project In Chonburi Province. This USA-based charity has liased with the Rotarians in Chonburi Province to bring used wheelchairs from the US to Thailand. Most of these wheelchairs need only minor repairs, and are much needed by Thai people with disabilities who cannot afford a wheelchair. John related a very moving story of his visit to a child. This story appears, in full, in Pattaya People Weekly this week. After his talk, Captain John auctioned an old tennis racket to raise money for this project, the Members responded with gusto.
A special delight was in store for all attendees. Steve Watson, Managing Director of Pizzas 'R' Us, wheeled in enough hot pizzas to satisfy all. Steve's new expanded menu, in addition to his tasty pizzas, salads, burgers and fries, now includes Mexican Food, such as the Giant Burrito with Pork, and the Chicken Chimichanga, and has added Set Special Meals which can satisfy any appetite! I had a small slice - it was great!
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! :)
This week we acquired an addition to our Production Team. A member decided to assist at our Sunday Meetings. A very warm welcome to Morris Johnson from the US.
Here are some contact numbers for your Bank Cards.Mastercard 02 260 8572, Visa Thailand 02 256 7326, Visa International 02 263 2091, Visa UK +44 1733 318950 (collect), Visa USA +1 800 11 342 0662Amex 02 273 5544, 02 273 0044Diners 02 238 3660Citicorp 02 232 2000 ext 3390Thomas Cook 02 679 5521
According to Forbes there are now 946 known USD Billionaires - with Bill Gates heading the list at - USD56b. I asked the room if there was a billionaire here, and only one admitted it. We all gave him our email addresses! Later when I spoke to him, he said - just ask my wife, she's convinced I'm a billionaire!
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.
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: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)
PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)PEC email:- (webhits2000@yahoo.com)
See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 18 Mar / Report from 11 Mar 2007

2007-03-15T16:39:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 18 March, 2007:
A special delight is in store for all comfort-food famished PEC members: Steve Watson, Managing Director of Pizzas 'R' Us, will treat the club to a sampling of his new, expanded menu: in addition to his tasty pizzas, salads, burgers and fries, Steve is serving up Mexican Food, such as the Giant Burrito with Pork, and the Chicken Chimichanga, and has added Set Special Meals which can satisfy any appetite!
Our Speaker for Sunday is Rotarian and Master Mariner, Captain John Blair, who will tell us about The Mobility Project In Chonburi Province. This USA-based charity has liased with the Rotarians in Chonburi Province to bring used wheelchairs from the US to Thailand. Most of these wheelchairs need only minor repairs, and are much needed by Thai people with disabilities who cannot afford a wheelchair. John writes: "On Thursday the 17th of January we loaded up five wheelchairs into the back of my pickup and headed out of Pattaya to Chonburi, where we met up with a local Doctor and a welfare officer from the City Council. They led us to a house not very far from town; we were greeted by an old lady sitting outside with a beautiful little girl who was sitting on a table next to her grandmother. The little girl was sceptical of all these people and did not smile. We asked lots of questions and it turned out she was 12 years old and had never been to school. Her entire body was about 20 centimetres (about one foot) wide and was about 40 centimetres (2 feet) high. We had an engineer with us who was part of the mobility team from the USA that had bought 50 wheelchairs over with them. The engineer made a number of adjustments to the wheel chair. Meanwhile I went in to the family house and found the father and the brother of the little girl. They were in a very poor condition, and lay on a small thin mattress each on the floor. They were both crippled and could not get up. The little girl's mother had cancer and was unable to do much for anyone. So it was left to the grandmother to take care of everyone". Find out what happened, and how we helped this family.After his talk, Captain John will host a quick auction of a valuable, old tennis racket to raise money for this project.
Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Alexander Valentine, who will also amuse us with some PowerPoint Funnies, and Loran Davidson 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 for 2,800 baht, up to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on some inpatient medical costs.
Events Around Town:
PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL LADIES CLUB. Coffee Morning at Gian's on Thappraya Road on 20th March. Contact Stephanie on 089 544 4842, stephaniemoorhouse@hotmail.com or Sam on 087 9888 522. No reservations required. Members and guests. Ladies of all nationalities welcome. President: Rosanne Diamente. Tel: 081-865-0714.
BAD BOYS PATTAYA MC GALA at Alcazar Theatre on 23rd March at 7.00pm.
TEQUILA REEF celebrating 6th Anniversary with Gala Party on 24th March from 6.00pm. Soi 7, Beach Road.
YOGA TRAINING will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm to the 1st May, 2007 at the Public Health Center on Soi Buakhao.
ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp I from 15th March - 11th April. Camp II 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. Information from 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 at 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
Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:
Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.
A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:
Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.
At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.
We are doing our Lucky Draw prizes throughout the meeting with the prizes being announced 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 will have our late-morning 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.
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 are sold 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 11 March Meeting:
Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.
To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com) (do not use - info@pattayaexpatsclub.com - it doesn't work)
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. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email.
Our main Speaker today was:- Steve Dickens of Liberty Computers, expanding on his excellent series of articles in the Pattaya People Newspaper regarding useful Software that is either free or low cost - and effective! Anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-scumware, firewalls, browsers, utilities, etc. There are quite a few recommended by Liberty Computers. There followed a Q & A skilfully handled by our knowledgeable speaker. Read up on his detailed articles, visit their premises, or contact them via their website information: (http://www.liberty-computers.com).
Our 2nd Speaker was Belgium Member Donaat Vernieuwe, with his final presentation in the series - being busy doesn't necessarily mean being stressed. This week he demonstrated body swinging techniques, and the benefits of quiet, dark silence. He always emphasises that sitting at a desk, maybe using a computer, stresses the body by asking it to be in unnatural positions for long periods. This series of muscle flexing and movement enables you to continue to do this with less long-term harm to you body skeleton. Thanks Donaat.
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! :)
Sadly we heard of the death of Member Philip Thomas. I'm sure many will remember Tex and his charming daughter Chelsea who attended regularly. She usually sat quietly with her toys, or drawings, while her Dad joined in with the meeting. Last Christmas she gave me a personally drawn Christmas card for all the Members of PEC, shortly before she sang with Mary from the Blues Factory on our stage. I understand Chelsea's Mother is here in Thailand. Tex's Thai-style funeral service was held last week.
We looked at the problems with ATM cards. If you are on holiday abroad for a short time, alert your card issuer to your plans so they will be prepared to allow a charge from an unusual destination. There is little worse than reading a message on the ATM screen that says your card will not work. Try to use ATMs that are in a controlled Mall, there may be tv cameras, and patrolling guards that deter criminals from manipulating a machine. If you have a Thai Bank card try to use the same Bank's ATM. It is not only cheaper (no charge) but, if a problem results, you only have to deal with one Bank. Don't let people crowd you at an ATM, they may observe your PIN entry, and grab your card. Look for unusual boxes added to the ATM, it could be a small camera watching the keypad. Remember people near you with a phone may have a camera in the phone. It's an evil world where money is concerned.
Here are some contact numbers for your Bank Cards.Mastercard 02 260 8572, Visa Thailand 02 256 7326, Visa International 02 263 2091, Visa UK +44 1733 318950 (collect), Visa USA +1 800 11 342 0662Amex 02 273 5544, 02 273 0044Diners 02 238 3660Citicorp 02 232 2000 ext 3390Thomas Cook 02 679 5521
I've just completed my annual trip to the Vehicle Registration Office to obtain replacement discs for my pickup-truck's windshield. I'm delighted to report the costs were the same as last year - no increases. For my 2-door pick-up the fixed charges are: Government compulsory insurance 1074 baht - Vehicle check 200 baht - Vehicle road use tax 1050 baht, 2324 baht for the year. Charges vary with vehicle type.
According to Forbes there are now 946 known USD Billionaires - with Bill Gates heading the list at - USD56b. I wonder if any of them live in Pattaya? There were recently just 2 winners of a Lottery in USA - over USD116m each. Beyond imagination, isn't it?
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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in May, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.
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: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)PEC email:- (webhits2000@yahoo.com)
See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 11 Mar / Report from 4 Mar 2007

2007-03-09T12:15:00.000+07:00

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.

PEC Program for 4 March / Report from 25 Feb 2007

2007-03-03T03:17:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 4 March, 2007:
Thor Halland will be our guest speaker this Sunday, and will give us a talk on the History of Thailand. This will be the first of 5 lectures covering Thailand's history. Khun Thor was born in 1967, just outside of London, England, and attended Public school and The University of London. Thor served briefly with the Scots Guards, then managed his own property company for 10 years, and retired at 35.
We will again be instructed by Donaat Vernieuwe how computer junkies can stay fit and healthy on their chairs! Based on Yoga and other techniques, Donaat will show us more of his techniques on how to pre-empt those annoying back and shoulder cramps! Khun Donaat writes:
"In the Pattaya Expats Club meetings, every Sunday we are all sitting in the same posture for a few hours! This can disturb your blood circulation, taxes your back, and weakens your muscles. Therefore I will demonstrate some simple exercises for the neck, shoulders etc. The demonstrated software program Fit and Healthy on your Chair is a package of 30 exercises where all muscles of the body are activated. It makes your whole body more supple. Relaxation is the thread in the exercise package (breathing with the belly...). Regular relaxation increases your immunity and reduces backaches, stress and fear."
In addition to an extensive career in Electronics, 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!
Events Around Town:
PRESS CLUB BOWLING CHARITY on 5th of March at P.S. Bowl Pattaya.
BARTERCARD TRADE EXPO on 10th of March at Town In Town Hotel in Pattaya starting at 10.30am until 4pm.
ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp I from 15th March - 11th April. Camp II 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. Information from Asian U website: www.asianust.ac.th or e-mail admissions@asianust.ac.th or telephone 038 754 450.
'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
Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:
Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.
A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:
Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.
At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.
We are doing our Lucky Draw prizes throughout the meeting with the prizes being announced 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.
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. --------- And the MC Report from 25 Feb Meeting:
Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.
To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)
Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.
Each week we have a guest Speaker on a subject of choice, often recommended by a Member.
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! :) We have a couple of wireless microphones available to the floor to ask those questions, or just write it out and hand to one of our helpers.
26 February was our 2 year anniversary at the Grand Sole Hotel for PEC Meetings.
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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in April, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.
Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@gmail.com). Here are just a few useful Internet site links:
Driving Tips: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/drivinginthailand.htm)
Visa Tips: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/visainformation.htm)
Telephone Tips: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonetips.htm)
Newsletter link: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/currentnewsletter.htm)
Q&A Forum: (http://s8.invisionfree.com/expats/index.php?)
Thailand Immigration website:-(http://www.imm.police.go.th) (For Email - imm@police.go.th)
Pattaya Immigration website:-(http://www.pattaya-immigration.com)
90 day address confirmation:-(http://www.thaiimmigration.com/inv/index.php?showtopic=4)
T.M.47 form for a visa extension:-(http://www.thaiimmigration.com/apf/TM47.doc)
Phuket Provincial Employment Office for Work-Permit advice:- (http://www.phuketwork.org/english/index.html)
Thai Consulate (UK) website with good visa information:(http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com)
A very helpful web-forum with all the answers, if only you can find them:(http://www.thaivisa.com/forum)
For all information on Thai Embassies & Consuls worldwide:(http://www.thaiembassy.org)
Thai Customs website in English:(http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/indexEng.jsp)
Thai Tax Office website in English:(http://www.rd.go.th/publish/6045.0.html)
UK Tax Info: (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk)
USA Tax Info: (http://www.irs.gov)
The UK Dept of Work & Pensions is at:(http://www.dwp.gov.uk)
Useful UK Pension & Tax Information:(http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/penret/pr_visit_or_living_abroad.asp)(http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/psimanual/part17/psi17.2.4.htm)
Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa information (in English)(http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php)
Immigration (Royal Thai Police) Visa Rules (in English - pdf download)(http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/2notice/rtp606EN.pdf)
Immigration Bureau Headquarters, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120 Tel. 02.287.3117
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)PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)
See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 25 Feb / Report from 18 Feb 2007

2007-02-21T16:43:00.000+07:00

Club Member 'Big Ken', our man on Pattaya Bay Radio, has the new President of PILC - Rossane Diamente as his guest this week. Tune in to Ken at lunchtime on Saturdays.

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 25 February, 2007:

Our main speaker for Sunday is Khun Wichai Pannoi, a lawyer, detective and litigator from Bangkok. Khun Wichai will be addressing the significant issues that have arisen since the change of government here in Thailand, including the questions about nominee shareholders of Thai Corporations and other issues pertaining to the amendments to the landholding laws. Khun Wichai is both a solicitor and a litigator, and says that the application of these new regulations may depend on future courtroom decisions that set a precedent and definite interpretation to the new legal requirements. Wichai will also have an open forum after his speech for questions and answers.

Our second speaker will be Donaat Vernieuwe, a PEC member from Belgium, who will demonstrate via a PowerPoint slide show how computer junkies can stay fit and healthy on their chairs! Based on Yoga and other techniques, Donaat will show us how to pre-empt those annoying backaches!

In addition to an extensive career in Electronics, 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 Bob Sutterfield, and Loran Davidson 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 !

Events Around Town:

GLOBETROTTER celebrating 9th Anniversary and owner Lasse's 60th birthday fundraising party for the Redemptorist Centre for Blind Children. On 24th February at 8.00pm.

SEMINAR "Foreign Business Act Amendment" at Long Beach Garden Hotel and Spa on 24th February from 1.00pm. The speaker will be Mr. Preecha Hantongtus, Senior Trade Officer at Ministry of Commerce. Tuition/Fee (Incl. VAT): 4,900 baht. . Call 038 378 178 / 087 6030940

DANCE ON THE BEACH (Full Moon Party) on Koh Larn Island. Next event on 26th February. From 18.00-21.00pm and 1.00am-4.00am. Telephone: 081-863-1027 or 089-911-5508

'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions
At 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.

Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:

Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.

A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. I visited the Jomtien/Airport Bus Office 16 February 2007. The current schedule is:

Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.
Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.

At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.
---------

And the MC Report from 18 Feb 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 - Richard. MC - Alexander. Open-Forum Moderator - Brian.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings.

Our main Speaker today was:- Dr. Nattawat Rerkratanavaraporn, a very well qualified Ophthalmologist from Pattaya International Hospital. His topic was: Innovation in Eye Surgery. The good Doctor spoke of the various advances that are taking place around the world to correct for many sight problems that occur naturally. Many of these operations are performed here in Pattaya, and a number of members spoke of their experiences with these treatments.

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 Brian, and featured Peter Smith of AA Insurance. Peter answered many questions about Medical, Vehicle, Personal and Bail insurance. I didn't know that you could get Bail Bond insurance for yourself without owning a vehicle. He wanted to talk about gliders, but we just didn't have time!

Dtac (mobile telephone network provider) has a very cheap promotion that costs less than 20 baht per hr, 25 Satang/min (.25 baht) after the first minute (2 baht or 5 baht for the first minute, depending on the promotion). If you have Dtac, or Dprompt, or Happy sim, dial *1003 and follow the instructions, or go to one of the Dtac outlets in the big supermarkets. It's also handy to top-up your prepaid time with this carrier from an ATM, or via internet-banking. Again a promotion exists - 900 baht of time for 800 baht cost. It's getting better!

Another Dtac promotion allows 365 days use for any amount of 'top-up'. Calls charged at 2 baht per minute.

Dtac also has a dedicated website to view details of your own personal number. e.g. account balance, promotion type, changing promotion, detailed call statement. You are asked for a username & password, and gain access to your own account details. Very useful! (http://sonic2.dtac.co.th:8005/bp3/bin/DpromptIndex?lang=E)

More Dtac information, plus other network providers can be found on our website at: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonetips.htm)

You may wish to change your Network Supplier used with your mobile-phone (different SIM), but find that a SIM from a different Network will be blocked. This can be overcome by UNLOCKING your phone. Pattaya prices for this service are around 300 baht from an IT-City phone shop, or from an Internet company for slightly cheaper. Unlocking involves keying a specific code into your phone - every phone is a different code. This code relates to your IMEI number (unique to each phone), the Network to which it is locked and the make & model of the phone. I recently obtained my unlock code from a UK company via the Internet for a payment of £2.99 - it worked! I can now choose another Network and promotion.

I'm delighted to read that the US has decided to continue Navy visits to Thailand under the Cobra Gold umbrella. This year's operation, which is the 26th Cobra Gold exercise, will be carried out from May 8-18 2007. Now that'll bring a smile to Pattaya's entertainment community.

We discussed the cost of domestic utility charges this week - water & electricity. This month my Water Bill showed a unit cost of 11.8 baht per unit (unit = 1000 litres). My Electric Bill showed a unit cost of 3.10 baht per unit (unit = 1Kwh). Thailand uses mostly oil & gas generators, so the cost will be forever rising as the earth continues to run out of fossil fuels.

Please recommend where to buy good quality Turf (grass).

US Consul visits Pattaya Fri 23 Feb Dusit Resort 0800 -1200

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in April, onwards. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

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)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 18 Feb / Report from 11 Feb 2007

2007-02-16T12:25:00.000+07:00

PEC Program for 18 Feb / Report from 11 Feb 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 18 February, 2007:

This Sunday the PEC will host Dr. Nattawat Rerkratanavaraporn, an Ophthalmologist from Pattaya International Hospital.
Dr. Nattawat will discuss the topic: Innovation in Eye Surgery

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Alexander, and Peter Smith of AA Insurance will host an Expert's Open Microphone Forum alongside Open Forum Moderator Brian, 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!

The PEC's Monthly Breakfast Social will be at The Canterbury Tales Restaurant on Thursday, 22 February, starting .at 10 AM The restaurant is located on Soi Chaiapoon off Soi Buakhao, near the top of Soi Diana Inn, and is also a bookshop and a club prize giver. We are printing 25 tickets per month for the social, and will begin selling tickets this Sunday. Menu and Price: 75 Baht Ticket - English full breakfast, or 'Healthy Breakfast' (exotic fruits, cereal, yogurt, mug of tea or coffee), or Omelet, or Tuna Salad. All newcomers and new members are welcome, and we will also have a door prize of books from the owner.

And the MC Report from 11 Feb Meeting:

Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.
To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com) (do not use - info@pattayaexpatsclub.com - it doesn't work)

Programme Manager:- Loran. Meeting Manager:- enRico. MC:- Brian. Open Forum:- Loran.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

Our main Speaker today was:- Khun Nawaporn Sawaetwong (Neil), the Founder and Developer of Pattaya Airpark Co., Ltd. Just 15 kms from Pattaya City. Neil pursues his dream of providing air services to small aircraft owners & pilots from his 127 rai (approximately 50 acres) park. His presentation showed his facilities and the many activities that he hosts there, such as Ultralight tours and instruction, his annual Pattaya Sun and Fun Festival, and his plans for an Aviation Museum and Bungalows for fly-in pilots. There is also an opportunity to design, build & own property on the airpark. The Airpark website: (www.pattayaairpark.com), & email: (sportypilot@gmail.com)
The second speaker was Khun Sombat (motorbike taxi psychologist). His theme was general advice to all foreigners who may be worried about the present political situation in Thailand. After 14 Coups he advised us to relax & enjoy Pattaya, as was he and the other Thai people. Thais are taught to take the middle path, which basically means there will be little change. He did comment that he found it difficult to understand the official view to foreign ownership of land. After all, we couldn't take it away from Thailand, and while we had it's ownership we would probably improve it.
The Experts Open Forum this week was Moderated by Loran, and featured Darren McGarry of Key Visa Co, and Barry Kenyon the Pattaya representative of the British Embassy, Bangkok. Darren gave an overview of the current visa situation, and answered some questions, and Barry provided the Embassy view of the changes. They both agreed that the expat community were confused by the new rules, and they would probably both be busy for some time to come. Darren writes a weekly column on Visa matters in the Pattaya People Weekly Newspaper, published Saturdays. I sure learnt something new!

US Consul visits Pattaya Fri 23 Feb Dusit Resort 0800 -1200
US Consul visits Phuket Wed 28 Feb Hilton Arcadia on Karon Beach 0800 - 1200

A reminder that if you plan to apply for a Visa for a non-British national, the current system is NOT to apply direct to the UK Embassy in Bangkok. The official company now handling these applications is: VFS (Thailand) Ltd. UK Visa Application Centre, 2nd Floor, Regent House, Kwaeng Lumpini, BKK 10330. A short walk from the Sky-train station at Ratchadamri. (Email: info@ukvac-th.com).

Some information from 1st Class Visa Runs: they run a 6 seat mini-bus to the Cambodian border each day for 2,400 baht, including 2 meals and all visa costs. A trip to Penang for 11,500 baht includes all transport, hotel, agent and visa costs for a single entry 60-day Tourist Visa, which may be extended in Thailand for a further 30 days. This trip involves a one night stay in Georgetown (Penang) at the Cititel Hotel. 1st Class Visa is at Witherspoons Pub on Soi Buakhao, near Soi Diana Inn.

The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon (tel: 081 782 7363) can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show original proof.
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. Please do not fix dates in advance.

The PEC Golf Group have a Monthly Golf Tournament. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com).

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)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 28 Jan / Report for 21 Jan 2007

2007-01-26T15:47:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 28 January, 2007:

Our first speaker will be Christopher G. Moore, who will be talking to us about his latest publication, The Risk of Infidelity Index, the ninth book in his Vincent Calvino, Private Eye, series. In this tale, major political demonstrations are rocking Bangkok. Chaos and fear sweep through the Thai and expatriate communities. Calvino steps into the political firestorm as he investigates a drug piracy operation protected by important political connections.Chris is a Canadian writer who once taught law at the University of British Columbia. After his first book His Lordship's Arsenal was published in New York to a critical acclaim in 1985, Moore became a full-time writer and has so far written 18 novels and one collection of interlocked short stories. Moore has attained somewhat of a cult status among his readers in Asia and Europe and has an increasingly strong following in North America. Moore is probably best known by his cult classics, Land of Smiles Trilogy, his behind-the-smiles study of his adopted country, Thailand, and his highly popular Vincent Calvino Private Eye series.

Macleans has best summarized Moore's work: "Moore's noir thriller and literary fiction-like Graham Greene, he alternates between 'entertainment' and serious novels-are subtle and compelling evocations of a part of the world rarely seen through our eyes." Gore Vidal said of the Land of Smiles Trilogy: "The whole effect is very real-particularly the revelation of those razor teeth back of the Smile."

Our second speaker will be Khun Paisan, the Managing Director of the Rabbit Resort. He will give us an overview of his upcoming Real Estate Seminar to be held on February 9th, at the Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel, titled Is The Boom Over in the Pattaya Real Estate Market? Khun Paisan writes: "This is an important seminar that all people should attend, because it involves real estate ownership for all the expats in Thailand. This conference is timely and first ever that will be held amid drastic actions being taken by the government toward foreign direct investment in the kingdom. No more second hand information. You will hear from the horse's mouth about all changes that affects foreign investment in real estate. It will also be a public forum for all participants to voice their concerns and fill out questionaires at the conference."

Some of the topics to be discussed are: Land ownership using nominees; True supply and demand statistics; 30% withholding of investment funds and Leasehold vs. freehold ownership.

The outcome from the event will be summarized and a study will be made, publicized through the press and submitted to the government for further discussion or actions. Members can sign up for the seminar this Sunday at the PEC meeting; there are admission and translation fees.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Alexander Valentine and enRico Nestler will host our 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!

MEMBERSHIP NOTE: The PEC committee has reduced the cost of short term memberships, which all expire 31 December 2007, to 200 Baht for the year.

o-o-o-o-o-o

..and at the Meeting of 21 January 2007 -

To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

Programme Manager:- Loran Davidson.
Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.
Brian was our MC today, with Alexander as Open-Forum Moderator.

Our Speaker today was:- Steve Dickens, Managing Director of Liberty Computers, www.liberty-computers.com, 038 720920. Steve looked at the new MS Vista (the latest in the line of Windows products from MicroSoft). He admitted he hadn't actually had a chance to play with the new software yet, but in general warned us to be wary of rushing in too quickly to this new platform. His long-time advice is always this - when contemplating a new product, wait a while for the bugs to be ironed out before committing lots of money to the latest fashion. He said the new Vista would be a lot more expensive than the current XP (although if you have a registered installation of XP you can get Vista at a discount via an online download). He thought that the improved security of Vista might eventually help the current virus situation and, down the road, Vista would probably prove to be a winner. We know that MS continuously push us to upgrade by removing support for their older platforms and eventually we would simply not have support for XP any longer. Steve then turned to Scams Spams & Jams (the last one being a reference to spills on a keyboard!), and quoted a range of emails we all have received at one time or another, and the danger associated with even just opening them, never mind actually clicking on something. The dangers of Spyware, and Trojans were also covered. He promised to return when he could give first-hand experience of Vista. Thanks Steve!

The second speaker was our own Alexander Valentine who took us through the medium of strange and very amusing video clips from around the world. A lot of good material, and obviously a lot of time spent in preparation. An excellent Powerpoint presentation, thank you Alexander.

We had a visit from Alan Hall, President of CEC (ChiangMai Expats Club). Don't forget your PEC members card is accepted at their meetings.

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! :)

Chinese New Year celebrations in Pattaya are only a few weeks away - February 14 to 18.

A reminder that if you plan to apply for a Visa for a non-British national, the current system is Not to apply direct to the UK Embassy in Bangkok. The company that handles these applications are: VFS (Thailand) Ltd. UK Visa Application Centre, 2nd Floor, Regent House, Kwaeng Lumpini, BKK 10330. A short walk from the Sky-train station at Ratchadamri. Email: info@ukvac-th.com

The new foreign currency regulations confusion continues. I'm told we are arranging a future speaker to address this and other Property related issues. We'll let you know when.

A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. I visited the Jomtien/Airport Bus Office 19 January 2007. The current schedule is:
Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.
Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.
At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus is referred to as number 999, but the bus does NOT indicate this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction.

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.

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)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)

No more from me for a few weeks,
See you later, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for 21 Jan / Report for 14 Jan 2007

2007-01-22T15:08:00.000+07:00

NEWSLETTER January 19, 2007

Dear Pattaya Expats Club Members & Friends

Our planned Club Programme for Sunday, January 21, 2007.

Our guest speaker is Steve Dickens, Managing Director of Liberty Computers, and a long-time sponsor of the PEC. Khun Steve has worked in Information Technology for his entire career, including many years at one of the world’s leading Management Information software companies.

Steve’s talk will cover some of the common internet scams that are circulating on the web’s e-mail these days, such as the one that begins “We have just located an account in your name at Lloyds of London…” These hoaxes try to get you to part with your money, and Steve will tell us what to look out for, and how to avoid them. He will also advise us on other tribulations facing computer users, such as junk mail, a status update on Windows Vista, and the internet problems caused by the Taiwan earthquake in late December which are still plaguing SE Asia. Steve will also host an information table in the foyer, where he promises to try to answer all computer related questions, but wants us to remember that he does not have the answer to everything!

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Brian Maxey, and Alexander Valentine will host our Open Microphone Forum, as well as entertain us with some PowerPoint Diversions, 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 located on the Meeting Manager’s table, front left of the ballroom. Bring in those books and DVD’s that you’ve already perused, and swap them out for some new ones!

The PEC is starting a Monthly Breakfast Social at the UK owned cafe Canturbury Tales, (located on Soi Chaiapoon off Soi Buakhao, near the top of Soi Diana Inn) which is also a bookshop and a club prize giver. We are printing 25 tickets per month for the social; it will be held the last Thursday of each month at 10 AM. We began selling tickets on the 14th, and will again next week. Menu and Price:
75 Baht Ticket – English fried breakfast, (2 eggs, 1 sausage, 2 bacon tomato baked beans, doorstep toast, butter & marmalade, mug of tea or coffee, plus orange juice). Or ‘Healthy Breakfast’ (exotic fruits, cereal, yogurt, mug of tea or coffee). Or Omelet. Or Tuna Salad.

We hope to attract newcomers and new members to meet informally with old hands for a meal and to talk, and we will have extra book prizes from the owner that day. The first Social is on Thursday, 25th Jan - please buy a ticket !

MEMBERSHIP NOTE: The PEC committee has reduced the cost of short term memberships, which all expire 31 December 2007, to 200 Baht for the year.

Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:

Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.

A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. From Jomtien daily (09:00, 13:00, 17:00 and 19:30), and from the airport (09:00, 13:00, 17:00 and 20:00). Price 106 Baht, one way. This service is suitable for those terminating travel in Jomtien, but there is no stop in Pattaya.

o-o-o-o

And from our MC Brian Maxey on the meeting of January 14, 2007:
Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC

To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com) (do not use - info@pattayaexpatsclub.com - it doesn't work)

Programme Manager:- Loran Davidson.
Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.
Richard was our MC today, with Bob as Open-Forum Moderator.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation needs to go into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of assistance. Please contact a ‘Maroon Jacket’ member at any meeting.

Our Speaker today was:- Bruno Keller, the leader of the German Language Wing of PEC, Board Member of PEC, presenter of the German Language segment of Pattaya People Television on Sophon Cable. Considering just how much Bruno tries to do in any 1 week, I just don't know how he found the time to prepare such an interesting and informative speech for our audience. We learnt, for example, that a 1 hour segment on PPTv takes about 6 hours to prepare, apart from the actual filming. The German Language Wing (under a different title in those days) started when we were using the Green Tree Restaurant & Pub as our venue, and has continued since that time. Of course, as happened to the International Wing, things started to take off when we moved to our present location. Eventually, due to increased popularity and a severe lack of space, they moved to a magnificent venue in the grounds of Wat Chaimongkon Temple, South Pattaya Road (near 2nd Road), where they meet on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month. Thanks Bruno for a great presentation.

The second speaker was Khun Yok, who told us of her motivational method of teaching Thai to foreigners. She teaches Thai in group, or individual sessions, at her school on Naklua Road, 119/77, opposite Wat Po. She gave a few pointers on pronunciation, how to speak with our Thai friends and family, and how to conduct business with our local Thai businessmen. If you would like to learn thai, Khun Yok's e-mail is: yok_teach_thai@yahoo.co.th, or call: 08 9166 4899.

The new short-term membership is 200 baht - expiring 31 December 2007. Life-membership remains a bargain at 600 baht.

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! :)

Someone asked about International Moving companies, or Freight Forwarders. We haven't covered this information for a while, so here goes. There are three companies that have spoken at our meetings in the past:
Paul Wilkinson, Manager AGS Four Winds International Moving Ltd. 038306330 & 0819039477, (www.agsfourwinds.com).
Pat Gossett. Transpo International Ltd and/or Asian tigers. e-mail
p.gossett@asiantigers-thailand.com (http://www.asiantigers-thailand.com/)
0818626166, 022590116.
Rainer Roessler. EWAS, (East-West Air Services). Worldwide services by air and sea. 038601204, fax 038603219, 0897763490 Email: roessler@logo-trade.com

The new foreign currency regulations confusion has been exacerbated further by more changes to the regulations for foreign investors in Thailand. As is often the case, it is a little early to fully understand the implications of these changes. If you know someone who may have figured out the real meaning please help us to understand how we may import substantial funds for various everyday needs within the current regulations.

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in February, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament is 30 January at Eastern Star. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com).

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 7. January und 21. January 2007. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

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)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

Wherever you are in the world today, we wish you a great Holiday Season , and if you are not already enjoying life in Pattaya - then come back soon.

Best wishes from all of us at the Pattaya Expats Club

PEC Program for 14 Jan / Report for 7 Jan 2007

2007-01-13T18:16:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 14 January, 2007:

Bruno Keller, from the German wing of the PEC, will speak about the growth of our fellow expat club, and the development of a German language channel on Sophon Cable. Khun Bruno, who comes from Switzerland, retired to Pattaya in 1993 after a long and successful career in marketing. Bruno then discovered that sitting by the pool all day was no challenge, and so dove back into the business world. He now helps run several Swiss-based companies, does charity fund-raisers, is active in the Jomtien Pattaya Rotary Club, and, of course, the Pattaya German ExPats Club.

Our second guest speaker will be Khun Yok, who will tell us of her motivational method of teaching Thai to foreigners. She teaches Thai in group or individual sessions at her school on Naklua Road, 119/77, opposite Wat Po. She will be giving us pointers on pronunciation, how to speak with our Thai friends and family, and how to conduct business with our local Thai businessmen. Yok's e-mail is: yok_teach_thai@yahoo.co.th , or she can be reached at:
089-166-4899.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Richard Ravensdale, and Bob Sutterfield will host our 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 is starting (slowly!) a DVD and Book Swap. Bring in those books and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! We will place boxes in the outer lobby for the swaps.

MEMBERSHIP NOTE: The PEC committee has reduced the cost of short term memberships, which all expire 31 December 2007, to 200 Baht for the year.

PATTAYA BRIDGE CLUB (Please Note Change of address): Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 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

The PEC's next Monthly Golf Tournament is in the planning. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620,
(ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment. A new venture for golfers is a twice weekly friendly event starting from Globetrotters off Soi 7. Sign up at Globetrotters by 1500 two days before.

oooooo

And our Meeting of: 07 January 2007 -
Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

Programme Manager:- Loran Davidson.
Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.
Alexander was our MC today, with Bob as Open-Forum Moderator.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation needs to go into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of assistance. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

Our Speakers today were:- Pattaya International Hospital. 2 excellent Doctors gave us a review of two subjects - first a look at how important annual check-ups are, especially for those of us heading into retirement. It's so easy to mistake a reduction in energy or ability as simply aging, when actually it may simply be a loss of an important chemical due to living a different lifestyle in a new climate. The problem is, if this change continues, it not only means a reduction in lifestyle ability, but may be causing some damage to cells or organs. Dr. Kitjakarn Junda gave us his hospitals extensive range of Check-up Packages, specifically aimed at different genders and age groups, and all at reasonable prices as a first step to discovering any problems that may be ongoing.
Dr. Dararat Kanjanakotch is a specialist in Botox Beauty treatments, and showed us how we could be more beautiful with age - safely.
As a first step, why not come along to a Meeting and experience a few free tests to see if your blood-work shows up any abnormalities.

Our President - Niels Colov - took a light-hearted look at the year past and recalled many events, festivals, celebrations and oddities that occurred. I sometimes have trouble remembering what happened at the last meeting, I don't know how he manages to recall such detail. A fascinating review.

PEC Program 31 Dec / Report for 24 Dec 2006

2006-12-26T15:53:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 31 December, 2006:

Thor Halland will be our guest speaker this Sunday, and will give us a talk on the History of Christmas. Thor was born in 1967, just outside of London, England. He attended Public school and The University of London. Thor served briefly with the Scots Guards, managed his own property company for 10 years, and retired at 35.

Danny Williams from the Bristol Music Bar will bring us an audio visual presentation of the 'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions, which take place at the Bristol Music Bar, Soi 6, Jomtien, every Sunday 1900-2300. Danny has been in Pattaya for three years, and managing the Music Bar for one year. Every Sunday evening, all musicians & vocalists are welcome to join in the jam session. The 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.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Bob Sutterfield, and Alexander Valentine will host our 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 is starting a DVD and Book Swap. Bring in those books and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! We will place boxes in the outer lobby for the swaps.

MEMBERSHIP NOTE: The PEC committee has reduced the cost of short term memberships, which all expire 31 December 2007, to 200 Baht for the year.

Events Around Town:
NEW YEAR PARTY - ROTARY CLUB OF PATTAYA: On Saturday 30. December, 19.00 pm. at Town-in-Town Hotel on Pattaya Central Road. Fantastic International entertainment with Elvis impersonators, Magicians, singers, dancers and much more. Tickets only 500 baht inc. buffet dinner. Tickets can be bought at the Pattaya People Office in Soi Day-Night, South Pattaya. Tel.: 0-3842-7585 or 0-3842-0707.
ROTARY CHARITY LAS VEGAS SHOW on 30th December at 18.30 at Town In Town Hotel, off Central Road. Telephone: 081-815-4580.

VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA Vegetarian Adventure Buffet only 99 Baht. Every 2nd Tuesday of month. Next 9th January at 18.00 Cafe New Orleans, Soi Pattayaland 2. Everyone welcome. Also non vegetarians. Limited seating so reservations required.
Tel: 081-815-4580, or 038-71-0805(Mikey)
www.pattaya-cityguide.com/vegetarianclub

Like to play Bridge? All card players are welcome at the Bridge Club on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, at 13:00, at the Mercure Hotel, Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi 15. Players of all abilities are welcome. Thanks to members Rose Marie and Peter for this.

A new venture for golfers is a twice weekly friendly event starting from Globetrotters off Soi 7. Sign up at Globetrotters by 1500 two days before.

Bowlers Wanted! Dutch bowler Khun Leen Schaap, a newcomer to our city, would like to organize a weekly bowling session with other bowlers. Can be simply social, or perhaps a team. Contact Leen at: jschaap@zeelandnet.nl or lschaap@zeelandnet.nl. Leen can also be reached at: 081-150-1276.

'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions
At 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

After our members Open Forum, we also have Lucky Draw prizes of 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 will have our late-morning 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.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 10:30, are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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.

Club sponsor Key Visa Co Ltd, represented by Darren McGarry and Stephen Wilson, offer our members free advice, in the club house foyer, on personal Thai visa and immigration queries - please show your members card.

Plus, our large take-away information point, with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya, is open until the end of the meeting.

Tickets are sold 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.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

And here is the report of the Meeting 24 December 2006 -

Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

Programme Manager:- Loran Davidson.
Meeting Managers:- Richard Ravensdale & enRico Nestler.
Brian Maxey was our MC today, with Bob4You as Open-Forum Moderator.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation needs to go into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of assistance. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

We remembered all the names on our list of helpers: Niels, Pete, Richard, Loran, enRico, 2 Pauls, Michael, 2 Williams, Colin, 2 Bobs, Alex, Gary, Alf, Arvid, Erwin, Jahir, Steen, Laddawan, Brian.

This was our - Christmas Special Meeting, and the Speaker today was Pastor Fred Doell, and Diane Doell. They help run the Mercy Mission, just inland of Sukhumvit Road between Pattaya North & Central Road. This safe house caters to children who are not cared for by adequate family. Fred spoke of the need, the care, the assistance, and the finances of running such an establishment, and he made the point that regular small donations of food or help far outweigh the occasional large burst of charitable feeling. We had collected small gifts over the last few weeks to take to this children's 'safe house'. A group of about 20 members visited the centre after the Meeting and presented the gifts to the children. We were rewarded by their obvious enjoyment, lots of smiles, and a variety of songs. We stayed on to play with the children and talk to the staff, and I for one left feeling somewhat inadequate.

Steve Wilson again charmed the Thai speakers with a Thai language love-song. This told the story of lady choosing between two guys, and Steve's song was the song of the lost love. Broken hearts everywhere! He's braver than me - singing in Thai to a Thai audience.

Mary-Lou Sanviotores - a regular singer at the Blues Factory here in Pattaya, delighted us with a selection of festive style songs & carols. She is a very powerful singer, and invited a couple of people from the audience to join her on stage in leading the songs. A beautiful addition to any sing-a-long.

Steve from Pizzas-R-Us arrived with 20-something large pizzas, enough for all. A glass of sherry completed the meal. We're not sure exactly which sherry is the etiquette for pizza, but it went well on the pallet.

27 years ago, I sat in the sunshine in Shorts & a Tee-shirt on Christmas Day. It was so different from my previous UK life. I've tried to do it ever since - I did it recently. It makes me appreciate where I am, and how well I live.

Ask all 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! :)

A discussion commenced on the recent changes to bringing foreign currency into Thailand, but we had to admit we didn't know enough yet to advise one way or the other. Another question asked the limits that apply to travelling internationally with cash. Just how much is legal? If you can answer this - please do.

Yet again the topic of 30-day entry stamps arose, and we learnt that the date is fast approaching when border runners will find out how they will actually be treated - because of, or despite, the rules.

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in January, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson.

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)
PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)

PEC Program 24 December / Report for 17 December

2006-12-21T17:01:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 24 December, 2006:

Be Santa's Helper on Christmas Eve! (The afternoon of Christmas Eve, to be precise!) Please bring wrapped presents for the kids at the Children's Center of Victory Church, and indicate age and sex for recipient. After the PEC meeting, all interested in car-pooling to the children's center, which is on Sukhumvit near Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, are invited to bring the gifts to the children.

Our speaker this week will be Pastor Fred Dole from the Mercy Mission Project, who will give us a PowerPoint presentation about his shelter and ministry to aid indigent families and children. Pastor Dole's non-denominational Victory Family Church meets for Sunday morning services at the Twins Royal Palace Hotel, 2nd Rd., opposite the Marriot.

PEC Member Steve Wilson will charm us with his version of Thai Rock, and Mary-Lou Sanviotores from the Blues Factory, Pattaya will bring us music and a talk about her experiences We will get to sing some of our Christmas favorites with Mary!

Anyone still shopping for gifts for Thai and farang friends will be pleased to see the Thai Silk Soaps and Skin Creams being offered by the Lopburi Aids Center, a charity sponsored by the Royal Family, at one of the outer hall counters. These are perfect small presents for all, beautifully boxed, and a most worthy cause to support.

The PEC is starting a DVD and Book Swap. Bring in those books and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! We will place boxes in the outer lobby for the swaps.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Brian Maxey, and Bob Sutterfield will host our 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!

MEMBERSHIP NOTE: The PEC committee has reduce the cost of short term memberships, which all expire 31 December 2007, to 200 Baht for the year.

O-O-O-O-O-O-O

AND FROM OUR PREVIOUS MEETING:- 17 December 2006 -

Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

Programme Manager:- Loran Davidson. Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.
Bob4You was our MC today, with Brian Maxey as Open-Forum Moderator.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of help. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

The 'Speaker' today was PEC Volunteer-member Paul Victor Craven. Paul has recently joined the Production Team and is a valued addition to our group. Paul also is a wealth of knowledge about the big blue sky (at night!). He brought with him a couple of telescopes with which to see more than you ever thought existed out there in the cosmos. His Power-point presentation showed the equivalent of a satellite view of the world, which then zoomed into our own corner of Thailand - Chonburi. He told that as a boy he became fascinated by the movement of star clusters across his northern sky, and now for the first time he can experience the southern hemisphere's alternative beauty. Thanks Paul, well researched presentation.

Ask all those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :)

Sunday 24 December is our Special Festive Season Meeting, followed by a trip to a Charitable organisation to distribute gifts to the Children. Why not join us at both events - it'll make you feel good! See you there.

The Pattaya People Weekly offices on Soi Day Night have the tickets for the Grand Dinner with the Rotary Club of Pattaya, at Town in Town Hotel, Pattaya Central Road, Saturday 30 December at 18:30, cost 500 baht.

We were asked for more info on the Apartments mentioned on our website - If you need accommodation in Pattaya, with a really fast and reliable internet connection in your room, here's the ideal place. 7,000 baht a month if you sign up for at least 3 months and this includes unlimited broadband access and cable TV. Alternatively 10,500 a month or 680 baht a day. For the monthly rates, add electricity (about 700 baht a month) and water (about 50 baht a month) and optional twice a week maid service and linen change for 1,200 a month. Everything is new to European standards and the rooms have a great invigorating shower. No problem with water pressure here. There are only 12 fully furnished rooms (some a little cheaper and some more expensive) so book early. If you need more details contact Pete at (webhits2000@yahoo.com). Note, Pete has no financial interest in this - but we do get lots of emails regarding accommodation with Internet access. Location - Opposite Carrefour is Soi Arunothai, in Soi 2 there is Maxx's Internet shop. He manages the apartments.

We heard that a Bridge Club (playing-cards) occurs Monday, Wednesday & Friday, at 13:00, at the Mercure Hotel, Pattaya 2nd Road - Soi 15. Players of all abilities are welcome. Thanks to Rose Marie and Peter for this.

The Club shop now has a wide range of Shirts (S to XXXL) & Caps with Club logo.

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in January, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament is 26 December. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.
Also a new venture for golfers is a twice weekly friendly event starting from the Globetrotters off Soi 7. Sign up at Globetrotters by 1500 two days before.

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 7. January und 21. January 2007. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

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)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program 17 December / Report for 10 December

2006-12-14T18:10:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 17 December, 2006:

Christmas is Coming!! And Santa's elves need a little help from YOU!! Please bring wrapped gifts for children to our next two meetings, indicating age and sex for recipient. We will be giving out these presents on Christmas Day at children's hospital wards and orphanages, hopefully with Santa Ken!

Our Speaker for Sunday will be PEC member Paul Victor Craven, who will give us a QuickTime Presentation on Astronomy. As the new moon for December will fall on the 20th, this gives us a prime opportunity to study the constellations and the Milky Way unobscured by mother moon's light. Paul writes:

"I am a 57 year old British male, interested in heavenly bodies - all types! Perhaps my Father can take some credit in my interest in the stars, as when I was a child in the 1950's the TV programme 'The Sky at Night' hosted by Patrick Moore, was the only time I was allowed to stay up late? (in those days children were seen, and not heard!)

"In 1961 at the age of 11, I had the thrill of being taken to the 'Russian Trade Exibition' at Olympia, where I was to have the thrill of meeting Yuri Gagarin, the first man in orbit, and the rest probably followed from there.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Bob Sutterfield, and Brian Maxey will host our 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, legally and happily in Pattaya !

MEMBERSHIP NOTE: The PEC committee voted to reduce the cost of short term memberships which all expire 31 December 2007, to be 200 Baht in future. Short term memberships were suspended from issue for a couple meetings, for 10th and also 17th December, and will be re-launched at the new price on 24th December meeting. (NB If anyone planned to join short term membership for the express purpose of obtaining PEC medical cover on 17th Dec, please see Paul and Alfie at our memberships desk.)

o-o-o-o-o-o

..and at the Meeting of 10 December 2006.

Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.
Gary Bruton was our MC today, with Brian Maxey as Open-Forum Moderator.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of help. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

The 'Speaker' today was Jake Needham - author. Have you read Big Mango, The Laundryman, Killing Plato or The Ambassador's Wife - NO! Well, you missed a great talk by Jake on what being an expat is seen to mean. Later he signed some books and chatted to the members. A great presentation - very well received.

Our second speaker may well be the most enthusiastic speaker we've heard in a long time. Tore Naerland, a 52 year old man from Norway, and manager of Bike for Peace, spoke of his journey around the world promoting Peace & Disarmament - and all from the saddle of a bicycle. Tore lost his eyesight at the age of 15, and is now more than 80 percent blind. He then started bicycling in Norway, and has continued through 102 countries of the world, meeting presidents and kings, as well as the Pope! So far he has written 7 books about his trips, and more will follow, as he will be cycling as long as he is able! He would like as many bikers as possible to join him during his cycling in Thailand, from March 6 to 14, '07. The daily schedule for the bike tour in Thailand is available from: bikeforpeace@hotmail.com, and will be announced again later.

Ask all those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :)

The Open Forum got off to a grand start with an amusing email from a member who had won a 'door prize' the previous week, but couldn't find Lasse's wonderful restaurant - Globetrotter! Fortunately Lasse was in the room and gave them a small map showing that his establishment is in the complex between Pattaya Central Road, and Soi 7 (Beach Road), about 35 mtrs from the beach. We were also able to open an invitation to this great restaurant to the membership for a limited (39 people) number to join PEC Staff for a festive dinner on Wednesday 20 December at 20:00, cost 400 baht. Tickets available from Pattaya People Weekly offices on Soi Day Night. This same office has the tickets for the Grand Dinner with the Rotary Club of Pattaya, at Town in Town Hotel, Pattaya Central Road, Saturday 30 December at 18:30, cost 500 baht.

We were asked for the location of the apartments mentioned on our website by Pete. Opposite Carrefour is Soi Arunothai, in Soi 2 there is Maxx's Internet shop. He manages the apartments. They have free ADSL internet fed to each apartment, and are available by day, month or longer.

We had a visit from the guys at Oliver Twist - Old English Pub, located on Central Pattaya Road, opposite Nova Lodge. If you can't find them call 038429881.

We heard that a Bridge Club (playing-cards) occurs Monday, Wednesday & Friday, at 13:00, at the Mercure Hotel, Pattaya 2nd Road - Soi 15. Players of all abilities are welcome. Thanks to Rose Marie and Peter for this.

Niels told us of a great event coming up next weekend. The Pattaya Esarn Association in conjunction with City Hall & TAT, are having a big Parade followed by an entertainment evening with food & drink, all for the price of 200 baht per person. The parade kicks off from the Dolphin Circle at 15:00 16 Dec - all are welcome to join in. Dinner & entertainment starts 18:00 at Chaimongkol School (opposite the temple). There will be music, singing, dancing, food & Drink all included for 200 baht. On Sunday 13:00 it continues up until around midnight. Tickets available at Pattaya People offices - Soi Day Night.

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in January, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament is 26 December. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.
Also a new venture for golfers is a twice weekly friendly event starting from the Globetrotters off Soi 7. Sign up at Globetrotters by 1500 the day before.

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 16. December 2006 und 7. January 2007. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

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)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program 10 December / Report for 3 December

2006-12-06T15:31:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 10 December, 2006:

Our guest speaker will be novelist Jake Needham, whose latest book, "The Ambassadors Wife", spins a tale of summer in the city of Singapore, and a murder that no one wants to solve. Jake, who the Singapore Straights Times calls "Asia's most stylish and atmospheric writer of crime fiction", is also doing a book signing for PEC at the Royal Garden Plaza the day before the talk, on Saturday, 9 Dec., 2pm, in the Bookazine store.

The theme of Jake's talk to the PEC will be "Expats in Thailand - What they think of us out there in the real world". Jake can also be seen this week on Pattaya People Channel where he will discuss his books, the process of writing novels and the experience of being an expat.

We will also hear from Mr. Tore Naerland, a 52 year young man from Norway, and manager of Bike for Peace. At age 15, Tore lost his eyesight, and is now more than 80 percent blind. He then started cycling in Norway, and has continued through most of the countries in the world, meeting presidents and kings, as well as the Pope! So far he has written 7 books about his trips, and more will follow, as he will be cycling as long as he is able to sit on a bicycle!
The message of his trips is peace and nuclear disarmament, and he would like as many bikers as possible to join him during his cycling in Thailand, from March 6 to 14, '07. The daily schedule for the bike tour in Thailand is available at: bikeforpeace@hotmail.com, and will also be posted on the PEC website.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Gary Bruton; and Brian Maxey will host our 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!

Christmas is Coming!! And Santa's elves need a little help from YOU!! Please bring wrapped gifts for children to any or all of our next three meetings. The presents will be given out on Christmas Day. Please note on the outside of the package the suitable age and sex of the child receiving it.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Report from Meeting 03 December 2006 - Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.
Richard was our MC today, with Bob4you as Open-Forum Moderator.

Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of help. Please contact a ‘Maroon Jacket’ member at any meeting.

The 'Speaker' today was Scott M. Bernat, Assistant Force Protection Attaché, Bangkok, & Chief of U.S. Naval Security Thailand. For more than 20 years Scott had handled security in over 35 countries, to include the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, South East Asia and the Far East. When the US military visit overseas for peacetime exercises or R&R, a tremendous effort is made to ensure they are safe, and do not cause harm to their host in any way. Scott spoke of the many hours spent informing and preparing the troops for a visit to their intended host country. They may come off the end of the pier with a wide-eyed smile, but they also know that they represent their government when they travel, and any transgressions will be noted. He then spoke of the ways in which we can be vigilant in our own city to try to thwart attempts to cause mayhem by terrorists. He also pointed out that local families are rarely involved in any unrest because they want to live here peacefully too! A great presentation - well received.

Richard Ravensdale also spoke of security from a local Hotel Manager's point of view, and Loran commented on how current international politics seem to be exacerbating the situation globally.

Bob4You was our Open Forum Moderator, but time did not allow for everyone to ask those questions on living in Thailand. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the experts! :)

We heard from a member who has visited the Bristol Music Bar Soi 6 Jomtien, where every Sunday 1900-2300 'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions are held. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds to charity. They plan a visit to our club one Sunday, soon. He was well pleased with his visit.

The Club shop now has long awaited XXXL shirts. Get in quick, they're popular - and BIG!

More questions were asked about transferring funds from country to country - members assured everyone that 99% of the time the process is efficient and relatively cheap, but emphasised that monthly payments of pensions or interest sent to Thailand worked out very expensive. If you can reduce the frequency of payments the costs fall significantly. Someone has tried the personal cheque method of transferring funds, and apart from a long delay, the charges are much lower.

10 digits are now necessary to call a mobile phone. 9 digits for house phones.

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in January, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for December is planned. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.
Also a new venture for golfers is a daily friendly event starting from the Globetrotters off Soi 7. Sign up at Globetrotters before 1500, for a 0900 start the next day.

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 18. November und 2. December 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

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)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

PEC Program for Sunday 3 December 2006

2006-12-01T13:53:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 3 December, 2006:

Our guest speaker is Mr. Scott M. Bernat, Assistant Force Protection Attaché, US Force Protection Detachment, in Bangkok. Scott will be presenting a talk on safety and security considerations for the U.S. Military in Thailand.
The US Military routinely visits Thailand for joint US-Thai Military exercises, as well as for rest and relaxation. As in the US and other parts of the world, safety and security remain paramount. Prior to a visit, US Military personnel receive comprehensive briefings on topics to include Thai culture, security awareness and appropriate standards of conduct. Basic safety and security precautions are applicable to all and require a close partnership with Thai Law Enforcement, Thai Citizens and the ex-patriot community. This presentation details the basic concepts we all need to know and follow in order to ensure Thailand remains a safe and highly regarded living and travel destination.
Mr. Bernat is a Force Protection Officer detailed to the U.S. Embassy and Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group Thailand from the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). He is an Honor Graduate of the University of Massachusetts Journalism and Political Science Program and a Distinguished Honor Graduate of the U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. His background includes US Military Conventional and Special Operations.

For the past 20 years, Mr. Bernat has worked in direct support to significant law enforcement, counter-drug, counter-terrorism and VIP Protection operations in over 35 countries, to include the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, South East Asia and the Far East.

Mr. Bernat, in his current position as Chief of U.S. Naval Security Thailand, maintains a close working relationship with the Royal Thai Police and is a frequent guest lecturer/speaker on law enforcement and counterterrorism issues.
Richard Ravensdale has returned from his work in Nepal, and will also address the PEC regarding security from a hotel manager's standpoint.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Richard Ravensdale, and Bob Sutterfield will host our 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!

See you Sunday - !!

PEC Newsletter for 26 Nov Meeting

2006-11-30T18:07:00.000+07:00

Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

26 November 2006 - Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.
Alexander was our MC today, with Bob4you as Open-Forum Moderator.

The 'Speaker' today was Dr. Supanee Chaiwiroj, Board Certified OB-GYN from Pattaya International Hospital. She told us this was the first time she had spoken to a large group, and definitely the first time in English. Within minutes she was relaxed, interesting and humorous. She spoke on - What Men need to know about Women's health - not a subject I thought might grab me readily. I was wrong. She slanted her talk on the differences between our western experiences of regular preventive medicine, and the Thai perspective of going to a hospital only when you're sick. She asked us to help to be responsible for observing possible irregularities in our close Thai partners, and gently persuading them to do something about it - as well as trying to enlighten them on the advantages of regular checkups. We also learnt of some recent discoveries of causes of serious disease. In one particular case an inoculation given to girls between the ages of 9 & 12 would prevent a certain cancer later in life. The good Doctor ran for over an hour, and the audience listened. Excellent!

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--

We heard instances of expats training at TEFL schools, then not being able to obtain a job & work-permit. Please be aware that a W-P application must contain details of your salary, and must be at least the minimum wage for your nationality (e.g 50K per month for a Brit). Less than this and you will not get a W-P. Many schools cannot afford 50K for a teacher!

New City Hall phone number 038 253 100. Septic Tank emptying for just 300 baht 038 253 276.

Bell Travel (inside the North Road Bus Depot) go to the new airport 7 times every day (0600, 0900, 1100, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900) and will pick up from your accommodation. They return from the airport 6 times a day (0800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800), price 150 baht one way. Local phone 038 370 055, BKK phone 027 474 675.
Another Bus to the airport leaves Jomtien Chaiyaphuk Road (office is near the beach road) and tickets can be bought 1 day in advance. From Jomtien daily (0900, 1300, 1700, 1930), and from the airport (0900, 1300, 1700, 2000), price 106 baht one way. If you can add any detail to this, please advise.

We heard details of the Bristol Music Bar Soi 6 Jomtien, where every Sunday 1900-2300 'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions are held. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds to charity. They plan a visit to our club one Sunday, soon.

The Club shop now has long awaited XXXL shirts. Get in quick, they're popular - and BIG!

A personal cheque from your own foreign bank may be paid into a Thai bank account in any currency . There will be some charges, and a long delay before you have access to the funds, but it is much cheaper than a bank-to-bank transfer. Apparently you write the cheque for 'cash', and the amount is entered into your local bank book at the current exchange rate of the day you deposit the cheque. Basically 'exchange now - receive later'.

Take care when withdrawing cash from an ATM. We hear of stories each week of Extra withdrawals listed on statements. Cover the key-pad when entering a PIN, it's easy to record your hand movements with a camera or phone. Do not give your PIN to shop-staff when purchasing with a card, again entering a PIN on a key-board can be recorded.

10 digits are now necessary to call a mobile phone. 9 digits for house phones.

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for December is being planned. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 18. November und 2. December 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

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)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

Prog for 26 Nov - Newsletter for 19 Nov

2006-11-24T10:44:00.000+07:00

Hi, I'm Brian. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC

To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

19 November 2006 - Meeting Manager:- enRico Nestler.

Bob Sutterfield (Bob4you) did his first run as MC today. Many thanks to Bob for undertaking this brave job, which he performed admirably. As a current MC for PEC I know that most people would not even consider standing up and taking charge of a Meeting. There's a natural resistance to standing up and being in the spotlight, on a stage, with a microphone, on your own. You really would be amazed how rewarding and comfortable it quickly becomes. Welcome Bob - to the MC-Group!

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of help. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

The 'Speaker' today was.. well.. me! I tried to shed a small ray of light onto the different world of Isaan. I regularly visit Isaan as part of my partner's natural need to visit her family home, and I'm slowly learning to feel comfortable in the 'village'. It was my aim during the talk to help people overcome this unease at visiting an area that is so completely different to the city of Pattaya in which we live. Of course there is a 'culture shock' effect whenever we are taken out of our cosy cocoon and thrust into something different, but I must tell you that the friendly uninhibited and genuine warmth that the people show is noticeable from the first moments. My first visit was for 3 days around 12 years ago - far too long I thought at the time! My recent visit was for around 4 weeks and, apart from the lack of Internet, could have happily been longer. Land-line phones are a problem because maintenance is poor (at best), resulting in non payment of bills, resulting in disconnection. Mobile phones are everywhere, so most people don't worry. Obviously 'wireless' Internet is the only reliable way. For some reason the very many Internet shops available a few years ago, have all closed. I guess those that want it get a phone-line, and the lack of tourists means a lack of business. If you need more info, or have experiences to tell, let me know and we can always do a short update later.

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--

An email arrived from the BBC London as follows: The BBC is currently producing the third series of Wedding Stories for BBC Three. We are looking for the last few couples to take part in the series. In particular we are looking for a wedding in Thailand. Due to a tight deadline the wedding would have to be before the end of December 2006. Any couples that might be interested in taking part please feel free to contact us for an informal chat on: +44 (0)208 752 5724 Or email: (wedding@bbc.co.uk), CLAIRE BRICKELL 'WEDDING STORIES' BBC Factual & Learning, Room 5218, BBC White City, 201 Wood Lane, W12 7TS. Tel: 020 8752 4360, e-mail: (claire.brickell@bbc.co.uk)

New City Hall phone number 038 253 100. Septic Tank emptying for just 300 baht 038 253 276.

We are looking for personal experiences of Busses to and from the new airport. Bell Travel (inside the North Road Bus Depot) go to the airport 7 times every day (0600, 0900, 1100, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900) and will pick up from your accommodation. They return from the airport arrivals area 6 times a day (0800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800), price 150 baht one way. Local phone 038 370 055, BKK phone 027 474 675. -- Another Bus to the airport leaves Jomtien Chaiyaphuk Road (office is near the beach road) and tickets can be bought 1 day in advance. From Jomtien daily (0900, 1300, 1700, 1930), and from the airport (0900, 1300, 1700, 2000), price 106 baht one way. If you can add any detail to this, please do.

We heard details of the Bristol Music Bar Soi 6 Jomtien, where every Sunday 1900-2300 'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions are held. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds to charity.

The Club shop now has long awaited XXXL shirts. Get in quick, they're popular - and BIG!

Darrell Woolley, from Tequila Reef Cantina Soi 7 Beach Road 038 414 035, presented us with two free meal vouchers for their 'Thanksgiving Day all-you-can-eat Buffet' at the Tequila Reef from 1600 - Thursday 23 November - 495 baht each (under 12's 250). These vouchers may be used on other days.

New residence rules are proposed for Brits who rely on being 'Non Resident for tax Purposes'. The new rules relate to: 1-Having property 'available' for use in UK. 2-Having immediate 'family' resident in UK. 3-Making frequent short visits to UK.

International bank transfers from Nationwide Bank in UK are possible via the Internet, but you have to set it up first. Apparently an application form is downloadable from the bank site. One member uses this method successfully. Of course, along with most other banks, a debit card can be used in an ATM for limited withdrawals and presented to a bank's foreign exchange desk for larger amounts following contact with either 'visa' or 'maestro' or similar.
Also, a personal cheque from your own foreign bank may be paid into a Thai bank account in any currency . There will be some charges, and a long delay before you have access to the funds, but is much cheaper than a bank-to-bank transfer. Apparently you write the cheque for 'cash', and the amount is entered into your local bank book at the current exchange rate. Basically 'exchange now - receive later'.

Two more stories emerged of UK Bank accounts showing extra withdrawals in Thailand beyond those actually executed. We assume this is another example of 'card fraud'. Somehow the details of your card + PIN are known to others who drain your account quickly.

Remember, the end of November sees the completion of the changeover of mobile phone numbers. If you haven't changed the numbers stored in your SIM card, or phone, they will not work. An extra digit (an 8) must be added after the original 0 (e.g. 01 234 5678 will become 081 234 5678). These new mobile numbers are all 10 digits, home phones are 9 digits.

How do you know which numbers are mobile or house phones? Visit: (http://www.thailand-uk.com/phones/10digitmobile.php).

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in November, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for 28 November is at Emmerald Golf Club. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 18. November und 2. December 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

Wed-22-Nov-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086,

Thur-23-Nov-06 Thanksgiving Day (US):

Sat-25-Nov-06 Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Annual Gala Ball at the Royal Cliff Hotel. Tickets 1950 baht, an excellent sit down dinner and beverages. There will be a raffle with substantial prizes, and a silent auction.

Sat-25-Nov-06 Sattahip Naval Base established - King Rama Vl

Sat-25-Nov-06 HAVANA NIGHTS at the MERCURE HOTEL - every Saturday. "Havana Nights" with a Live Band Music and a large range of meat and seafood. From 7.00pm. 650 baht per person. Soi 15 Pattaya Second Road. Telephone: 038-42-50-50.

Sun-26-Nov-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335

Tue-28-Nov-06 AOT KONA WINDSURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP to December 3rd at Raimon Land Northpoint site. Wong Amat beach. Admission free and open to all. Visit www.raimonland.com for details.

Wed-29-Nov-06 Pattaya City Established

Wed-29-Nov-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086,

Sat-2-Dec-06 HAVANA NIGHTS at the MERCURE HOTEL - every Saturday. "Havana Nights" with a Live Band Music and a large range of meat and seafood. From 7.00pm. 650 baht per person. Soi 15 Pattaya Second Road. Telephone: 038-42-50-50.

Sun-3-Dec-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335

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)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 26 November, 2006:

Dr. Supanee Chaiwiroj, Board Certified OB-GYN from Pattaya International Hospital, will present a talk on Women's Health. We have requested Dr. Supanee to speak on "What men need to know about women's health", as most of our members are of the masculine persuasion! Gentlemen, please bring your wives and girlfriends to hear about this important topic.

Alexander Valentine will be our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday, and Bob Sutterfield will lead our 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 !

PEC Newsletter from Meeting 12 November

2006-11-16T10:07:00.000+07:00

Hi, I'm Brian. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC

To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

12 November 2006 - Meeting Manager:- Enrico (ably assisted by everyone!).

A special thank you to Enrico who stepped in so quickly to effectively run our meetings during the absences of Richard, Pete, Brian, Niels, Loran & Paul. All of the Production Team rallied around him to ensure the success of each Meeting. Loran is our new Program Manager and 'organiser' of the Future Speakers List, so please pass your ideas on to her (please do NOT pre-arrange dates). Alexander has contributed that different approach to MC-ing that we had been searching for, and now Bob has joined the team also as MC. That's 3 of the 5 needed MCs we plan to rotate on a regular basis. "Variety is the spice of life". There's plenty of opportunity for you to give your own individuality to a meeting by joining the MC group - we're aiming for once-a-month for each MC. Maybe Richard will offer to be number 4 on his return?

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. You would be amazed as to how much preparation goes into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of help. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

enRico (our Meeting Manager) gave us a very well researched presentation on the 'rise & fall of the Berlin Wall'. Former East Germans celebrated 17 years of freedom to cross into West Germany after 28 years of restricted access (9 November 1989). Now, of course, all of Germany is part of the huge E.U.. enRico showed many pictures of before, during and after the division of East & West. How quickly we forget!

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--

An email arrived from the BBC London as follows: The BBC is currently producing the third series of Wedding Stories for BBC Three. We are looking for the last few couples to take part in the series. In particular we are looking for a wedding in Thailand. Due to a tight deadline the wedding would have to be before the end of December 2006. Any couples that might be interested in taking part please feel free to contact us for an informal chat on: +44 (0)208 752 5724 Or email: (wedding@bbc.co.uk), CLAIRE BRICKELL 'WEDDING STORIES' BBC Factual & Learning, Room 5218, BBC White City, 201 Wood Lane, W12 7TS. Tel: 020 8752 4360, e-mail: (claire.brickell@bbc.co.uk)

Ralph Gibbs 086 014 8657 is looking for Scrabble Game players. All levels are welcome.

New City Hall phone number 038 253 100. Septic Tank emptying for just 400 baht 038 253 276.

We are looking for definitive details of Busses to and from the new airport. We know of the one from Pattaya North Road, but have little knowledge of the one from Jomtien, and none regarding trips to Pattaya from the airport. Please contact us if you have travelled on any of these.

If you know of Dave Hickey (a bar owner), Charlie Taylor is trying to contact him. Call Charlie on 0871285942.

We heard details of the Bristol Music Bar Soi 6 Jomtien, where every Sunday 1900-2300 'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions are held. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds help to support 'The Cammillion Society'.

The Club shop now has long awaited XXXL shirts. Get in quick, they're popular!

Darrell Woolley, from Tequila Reef Cantina Soi 7 Beach Road 038 414 035, presented us with two meal vouchers for last Sunday's Draw + two more for next Sunday. He reminded us of 'Thanksgiving Day all-you-can-eat Buffet' at the Tequila Reef from 1600 - Thursday 23 November - 495 baht each (under 12's 250).

New residence rules are threatened for Brits who rely on being 'Non Resident for tax Purposes'. The new bits relate to: 1. Having property 'available' for use in UK. 2. Having immediate 'family' resident in UK. 3. Making frequent short visits to UK.

Don't forget the 'Long Boat' races on Maprachan Lake - Sunday 19 November.

International bank transfers from Nationwide Bank in UK are possible via the Internet, but you have to set it up first. Apparently an application form is downloadable from the bank site. One member uses this method successfully. Of course, along with most other banks, a debit card can be used in an ATM for limited withdrawals and presented to a bank's foreign exchange desk for larger amounts following contact with either 'visa' or 'maestro' or similar.
Also, a personal cheque from your own foreign bank may be paid into a Thai bank account in any currency . There will be some charges, and a long delay before you have access to the funds, but is much cheaper than a bank-to-bank transfer. Apparently you write the cheque for 'cash', and the amount is entered into your local bank book at the current exchange rate. Basically 'exchange now - receive later'.

Remember, the end of November sees the completion of the changeover of mobile phone numbers. If you haven't changed the numbers stored in your SIM card, or phone, they will not work. An extra digit (an 8) must be added after the original 0 (e.g. 01 234 5678 will become 081 234 5678). The new mobile numbers are all 10 digits, home phones are 9 digits.

How do you know which numbers are mobile or house phones? Visit: (http://www.thailand-uk.com/phones/10digitmobile.php).

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in November, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for 28 November is at Emmerald Golf Club. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 18. November und 2. December 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

Sun-19-Nov-06 Long Boat racing on Mapracham Lake - there will be a small charge for car parking. Opens around 1200. There are lots of stalls with food and beer. It is very exciting, and lots of noise.

Sun-19-Nov-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335

Wed-22-Nov-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086,

Thur-23-Nov-06 Thanksgiving Day (US):

Sat-25-Nov-06 Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Annual Gala Ball at the Royal Cliff Hotel. Tickets 1950 baht, an excellent sit down dinner and beverages. There will be a raffle with substantial prizes, and a silent auction.

Sat-25-Nov-06 Sattahip Naval Base established - King Rama Vl

Wed-29-Nov-06 Pattaya City Established

Wed-29-Nov-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086,

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)

See you soon, MC, Brian.

PEC - NEWSLETTER November 14

2006-11-16T09:19:00.000+07:00

NEWSLETTER November 14, 2006

Dear Pattaya Expats Club Members & Friends - happy Loy Krathong to everyone!

Our planned Club Programme for Sunday, November 19, 2006.

The PEC's very own Brian Maxey will be our guest speaker this Sunday, and will tell us of his adventures and discoveries during his trips north to Isaan. Brian writes:

"Isaan!" I said - 'Isaan? What on earth is an Isaan Well.. said Derrick, it's not exactly a 'thing', it's a sort of place! All that was back in the early 1990s, and it's the reason I live here now. And he's right, it is a sort of place, but bigger and more different than you could ever imagine. It's common to hear people say something like.. - Oh Pattaya's not the real Thailand, you need to go 'up country' for that. Well Isaan isn't the real Thailand either - it's different - yes, that's it - DIFFERENT!

I recently drove up (again) to the north-east border with Laos, and spent a few weeks wandering about in a place that I have come to enjoy, to a certain extent, but feel I haven't even scratched the surface of so far. The problem with Isaan is that it is fascinating to try to understand, but certainly not easy to enjoy. I plan to talk in general terms about the area known as Isaan, and try to dispel a few myths that you may have heard of what is around one third the area of Thailand, and around 35% of the population. It's a good bet that you have met a few Isaan people (KON ISAAN in Thai), but what you may not know is that they have a language all their own, a version of Lao called Isaan dialect or North-Eastern Thai.

My talk will be very much guided by your questions and comments on Sunday, and not a history or geography lesson. So bring along your questions, and experiences, and I'll try to spark your interest in another part of this big & diverse country in which we live. Hope to see you on Sunday, Brian Maxey.

LONG BOAT RACES will be held on Sat. 18th and Sun. 19th November at Mabprachan Lake. Plus Windsurfing, Water Buffalo Race, Drum Competition. There will be a small charge for car parking. Opens around 12:00. There will be lots of stalls with food and beer. It is very exciting, and lots of noise.

KING POWER RACEBOARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS on 18th -25th November at Raimon Land Northpoint site. Admission free and open to everyone. Visit www.raimonland.com for details.

AOT KONA WINDSURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP on November 28th to December 3rd at Raimon Land Northpoint site. Wong Amat beach. Admission free and open to all. Visit www.raimonland.com for details.

CHARITY PIANO RECITAL by Wilhelm Ohmen: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Organized by RC Eastern Seaboard in Ballroom, Marriott Resort & Spa, Pattaya at 20.00pm on 23rd and 24th November. Tickets at 500 Baht. Reservation contact phone 038 412 120 bcenrgr@minornet.com

'Sunday Unplugged' Jam Sessions

At 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.

'THANKSGIVING DAY all-you-can-eat Buffet' at the Tequila Reef, Soi 7, Pattaya Beach Road, from 1600 - Thursday 23 November - 495 baht each. Telephone 038-414-035.

P.I.L.C. AROUND THE WORLD CHARITY BALL on 25th November at Royal Cliff Beach Resort. Call President Gillian Thom. Tel. 0-1762-6003.

BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or

lbcrone@hotmail.com

Ken Bowkett, FM 103, every Saturday from 12 noon to 2PM

Ken hosts a guest in his studio, along with great music. Tune in the Kuddly Ken Show on FM 103.

Bob Sutterfield will be our M.C. this Sunday. Bob hails from Honolulu, where he is involved in the real estate market. He will lead our 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 !

After our members Open Forum we also have Lucky Draw prizes of 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 will have our late-morning 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.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 10:30, are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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. Club sponsor Key Visa Co Ltd, represented by Darren McGarry and Stephen Wilson, offer our members free advice, in the club house foyer, on personal Thai visa and immigration queries please show your members card.

Plus, our large take-away information point, with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya, is open until the end of the meeting.

Tickets are sold 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 from our MC Brian Maxey:
Hi, I'm Brian. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

5 November 2006 - Meeting Manager:- Enrico (ably assisted by everyone!).

Back in the saddle after a break of 4 weeks up in the quiet Isaan province of Nakhon Phanom. It sure is a bit different from Pattaya - but as the old song says "Gee, but it's good to be back home"! There are some aspects that are so pleasant, and some that are real difficult to handle. Maybe I'll tell you about it - sometime!

A special thank you to Enrico who stepped in so quickly to effectively run our meetings during the absences of Richard, Pete, Brian, Niels, Loran & Paul. He is also very active in the German Language Wing of our Club. All of the 'Jackets' (our Production Team) have rallied around him to ensure an interesting & successful 'Meeting' occurred each week. Loran is our new Program Manager and 'organiser' of the Future Speakers List, so please pass your ideas on to her. Alexander has contributed that different approach to MC-ing that we had been searching for, and last meeting another member (Bob) offered his services as MC. That's 3 of the 5 needed MCs we plan to rotate on a regular basis. "Variety is the spice of life". There's plenty of opportunity for you to give your own individuality to a meeting by joining the MC group - we're aiming for once-a-month for each MC. Maybe Richard will offer to be number 4?

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. You would be amazed as to how much preparation goes into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of help. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

The owner of 'Pattaya Bay Radio', Khun Naulnooch Phetchawee (please call me Anna!) came to tell us of her reasons for starting a radio station (103 on the FM band) that included the allowed English Language Content, here in Pattaya. She told us her American Mother gave her a unique insight into 'western ways', and how easy it is for a 'farang' to feel left-out in a Thai speaking community. Now we have something for us. She is looking for suitable DJs for a 1hr spot on her station, and she hopes to increase the variety of music styles on offer. If you would like to help Anna, call 038 425740.

Khun Tomdee of Superconsultants, and his Lawyer friend Khun Suwiwat, helped to reassure us that the changes in the 'Land Office' policies of recent months were not specifically aimed at 'small company property owners', but more at the many foreign controlled large property developer companies who were really bending the law. He explained that formation of companies with small changes to the old set-up were accepted by the Land Registry without problem as long as it was for small land/property ownership. He is happy to consult with anyone needing advice, and 'walk' them through the procedure using a competent Lawyer. You can contact Tomdee at SuperConsultants: 081 622 0128 (superconsult@hotmail.com) (http://www.pattayasuper.com).

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--

An email arrived from the BBC London as follows: The BBC is currently producing the third series of Wedding Stories for BBC Three. We are looking for the last few couples to take part in the series. In particular we are looking for a wedding in Thailand. Due to a tight deadline the wedding would have to be before the end of December 2006. Any couples that might be interested in taking part please feel free to contact us for an informal chat on: +44 (0)208 752 5724 Or email: (wedding@bbc.co.uk), CLAIRE BRICKELL 'WEDDING STORIES' BBC Factual & Learning, Room 5218, BBC White City, 201 Wood Lane, W12 7TS. Tel: 020 8752 4360, e-mail: (claire.brickell@bbc.co.uk)

Ralph Gibbs 086 014 8657 is looking for Scrabble Game players. All levels are welcome.

New City Hall phone number 038 253 100. Septic Tank emptying for just 400 baht 038 253 276.

A number of questions about 'Visas', 'Dentists', 'Property Ownership', 'Marriage' were asked & answered. A really knowledgeable crowd our members!

International bank transfers from Nationwide Bank in UK are possible via the Internet, but you have to set it up first. Apparently an application form is downloadable from the bank site. One member uses this method successfully. Of course, along with most other banks, a debit card can be used in an ATM for limited withdrawals and presented to a bank's foreign exchange desk for larger amounts following contact with either 'visa' or 'maestro' or similar.

Also, a personal cheque from your own foreign bank may be paid into a Thai bank account in any currency . There will be some charges, and a long delay before you have access to the funds, but is much cheaper than a bank-to-bank transfer. Apparently you write the cheque for 'cash', and the amount is entered into your local bank book at the current exchange rate. Basically 'exchange now - receive later'.

Remember, the end of November sees the completion of the changeover of mobile phone numbers. If you haven't changed the numbers stored in your SIM card, or phone, they will not work. An extra digit (an 8) must be added after the original 0 (e.g. 01 234 5678 will become 081 234 5678). The new mobile numbers are all 10 digits, home phones are 9 digits.

How do you know which numbers are mobile or house phones? Visit: (http://www.thailand-uk.com/phones/10digitmobile.php).

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in November, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for November is being planned. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.

The PEC German Speaking Group hold their meetings on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00am. They meet in the Conference Room of Wat Chaimongkon Temple in South Pattaya, near the Intersection of Second Road and South Pattaya Road. The Conference Room is in the big white building at the end of the temple complex. Next meetings are 18 November & 2 December. Contact Erwin Schlottmann, 086 009 8497, email: (erwinschlottmann@gmail.com)

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 18. November und 2. December 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

Sun-12-Nov-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335

Sun-12-Nov-06 Earliest sundown Pattaya at 1746 (latest sundown is 29 June)

Tue-14-Nov-06 THE VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA - 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:00pm, 99 baht. For further information call: CafÃ© New Orleans: 038710805

Wed-15-Nov-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086,

Sun-19-Nov-06 Long Boat racing on Mapracham Lake - there will be a small charge for car parking. Opens around 1200. There are lots of stalls with food and beer. It is very exciting, and lots of noise.

Sun-19-Nov-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335

Fri-24-Nov-06 Thanksgiving Day (US): Thursday, November 24

Sat-25-Nov-06 Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Annual Gala Ball at the Royal Cliff Hotel. Tickets 1950 baht, an excellent sit down dinner and beverages. There will be a raffle with substantial prizes, and a silent auction.

Why not come along next Sunday morning 10:30am (11:30 program start) to the Grand SolÃ© 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)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

Wherever you are in the world today, we wish you a great upcoming weekend , and if you are not already enjoying life in Pattaya - then come back soon.

Best wishes from all of us at the Pattaya Expats Club

12 November 2006 - PEC Meeting Preview

2006-11-11T17:17:00.000+07:00

PATTAYA EXPATS CLUB
Founded by our Webmaster Pete Mills, with members since 2001.
Weekly E Newsletters from info@pattayaexpatsclub.com
Pattaya's original weekly advice forum for expats of every nationality.
'Expats helping expats - to live happily, safely and legally in Thailand.'
Founder of ATEC, the 'Association of Thailand Expats Clubs'.
www.pattayaexpatsclub.com

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 12 November, 2006:

PEC-Member Enrico Nestler, The Fall of the Berlin Wall November 9, 1989.

A discussion dedicated to the 17th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain, the wall between the East & the West, from the East German point of view.
The Berlin Wall, an iconic symbol of the Cold War, was initially constructed starting on August 13, 1961 and dismantled in the weeks following November 9, 1989. Part of the Iron Curtain, the Berlin Wall was the most prominent part of the GDR border system.
THE 18TH INTERNATIONAL RALLY OF THAILAND on 10th to 12th November in the area of the east coast (Pattaya, Chonburi province, Rayong province, and Chachoengsrao province). Starts on the 10th at 7.00pm from Walking Street.

PATTAYA & FUN FLYING 2006, 10th - 12th November at Pattaya Air Park airport, near Sattahip and the Phoenix Golf Course.

CHARITY GALA CONCERT AT ALANGKARN Theatre, for Chanthaburi Province relief. Saturday 11th November. Alangkarn Theatre, Sukhumvit Road near Ambassador City.

The musicians and performers, from the Garden International School in Rayong, promise an exciting and dramatic show using all three stages at the Alankarn Theater, with many special effects and ensembles.

Tickets: 500 baht, available at Foodland and at PEC meeting Nov. 5. Revenue from ticket sales goes to the flood victims in the Chanthaburi province. Alangkarn: 038 256 005 / GIS: 038 880 363 / Rotary Club: 081 815 4580.

CHARITY CLUB OF PATTAYA fundraising pub night at the QUEEN VIC, Soi 6 on 11th November.

P.I.L.C. AROUND THE WORLD CHARITY BALL on 25th November at Royal Cliff Beach Resort. Call President Gillian Thom. Tel. 0-1762-6003.

ASIAN UNIVERSITY OPEN HOUSE on Sunday 12th November from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. All are welcome. Asian U and the College are located on the same campus in Huay Yai Tambon, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province on Highway 331, between km markers 116 and 117 (on the road between Sattahip and Chachoengsao.).

BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or
lbcrone@hotmail.com

FM 103 every Saturday from 12 noon to 2PM

Our very own PEC Ken Bowkett is hosting a radio show every Saturday, on FM 103, from noon to 2PM. "Santa" Ken talks to guests, makes a few suggestions, and spins a few hot discs…enjoy the show! Ken also be hosts a guest in his studio, along with the great music. Tune in the "Kuddly Ken Show" on FM 103.

Brian Maxey will be your M.C. this Sunday, and will lead our 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 !

After our members Open Forum we also have Lucky Draw prizes of 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 will have our late-morning 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.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 10:30, are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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. Club sponsor Key Visa Co Ltd, represented by Darren McGarry and Stephen Wilson, offer our members free advice, in the club house foyer, on personal Thai visa and immigration queries - please show your members card.

Plus, our large take-away information point, with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya, is open until the end of the meeting.

Tickets are sold 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.

5 November 2006 PEC Newsletter

2006-11-11T17:12:00.000+07:00

Hi, I'm Brian. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC

To contact the Pattaya Expats Club email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)

5 November 2006 - Meeting Manager:- Enrico (ably assisted by everyone!).

Back in the saddle after a break of 4 weeks up in the quiet Isaan province of Nakhon Phanom. It sure is a bit different from Pattaya - but as the old song says "Gee, but it's good to be back home"! There are some aspects that are so pleasant, and some that are real difficult to handle. Maybe I'll tell you about it - sometime!

A special thank you to Enrico who stepped in so quickly to effectively run our meetings during the absences of Richard, Pete, Brian, Niels, Loran & Paul. He is also very active in the German Language Wing of our Club. All of the 'Jackets' (our Production Team) have rallied around him to ensure an interesting & successful 'Meeting' occurred each week. Loran is our new Program Manager and 'organiser' of the Future Speakers List, so please pass your ideas on to her. Alexander has contributed that different approach to MC-ing that we had been searching for, and last meeting another member (Bob) offered his services as MC. That's 3 of the 5 needed MCs we plan to rotate on a regular basis. "Variety is the spice of life". There's plenty of opportunity for you to give your own individuality to a meeting by joining the MC group - we're aiming for once-a-month for each MC. Maybe Richard will offer to be number 4?

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. You would be amazed as to how much preparation goes into one of these Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of help. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.

The owner of 'Pattaya Bay Radio', Khun Naulnooch Phetchawee (please call me Anna!) came to tell us of her reasons for starting a radio station (103 on the FM band) that included the allowed English Language Content, here in Pattaya. She told us her American Mother gave her a unique insight into 'western ways', and how easy it is for a 'farang' to feel left-out in a Thai speaking community. Now we have something for us. She is looking for suitable DJs for a 1hr spot on her station, and she hopes to increase the variety of music styles on offer. If you would like to help Anna, call 038 425740.

Khun Tomdee of Superconsultants, and his Lawyer friend Khun Suwiwat, helped to reassure us that the changes in the 'Land Office' policies of recent months were not specifically aimed at 'small company property owners', but more at the many foreign controlled large property developer companies who were really bending the law. He explained that formation of companies with small changes to the old set-up were accepted by the Land Registry without problem as long as it was for small land/property ownership. He is happy to consult with anyone needing advice, and 'walk' them through the procedure using a competent Lawyer. You can contact Tomdee at SuperConsultants: 081 622 0128 (superconsult@hotmail.com) (http://www.pattayasuper.com).

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--

An email arrived from the BBC London as follows: The BBC is currently producing the third series of Wedding Stories for BBC Three. We are looking for the last few couples to take part in the series. In particular we are looking for a wedding in Thailand. Due to a tight deadline the wedding would have to be before the end of December 2006. Any couples that might be interested in taking part please feel free to contact us for an informal chat on: +44 (0)208 752 5724 Or email: (wedding@bbc.co.uk), CLAIRE BRICKELL 'WEDDING STORIES' BBC Factual & Learning, Room 5218, BBC White City, 201 Wood Lane, W12 7TS. Tel: 020 8752 4360, e-mail: (claire.brickell@bbc.co.uk)

Ralph Gibbs 086 014 8657 is looking for Scrabble Game players. All levels are welcome.

New City Hall phone number 038 253 100. Septic Tank emptying for just 400 baht 038 253 276.

A number of questions about 'Visas', 'Dentists', 'Property Ownership', 'Marriage' were asked & answered. A really knowledgeable crowd our members!

International bank transfers from Nationwide Bank in UK are possible via the Internet, but you have to set it up first. Apparently an application form is downloadable from the bank site. One member uses this method successfully. Of course, along with most other banks, a debit card can be used in an ATM for limited withdrawals and presented to a bank's foreign exchange desk for larger amounts following contact with either 'visa' or 'maestro' or similar.
Also, a personal cheque from your own foreign bank may be paid into a Thai bank account in any currency . There will be some charges, and a long delay before you have access to the funds, but is much cheaper than a bank-to-bank transfer. Apparently you write the cheque for 'cash', and the amount is entered into your local bank book at the current exchange rate. Basically 'exchange now - receive later'.

Remember, the end of November sees the completion of the changeover of mobile phone numbers. If you haven't changed the numbers stored in your SIM card, or phone, they will not work. An extra digit (an 8) must be added after the original 0 (e.g. 01 234 5678 will become 081 234 5678). The new mobile numbers are all 10 digits, home phones are 9 digits.

How do you know which numbers are mobile or house phones? Visit: (http://www.thailand-uk.com/phones/10digitmobile.php).

The British Embassy has a Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies. He is Barry Kenyon. Contact 081 782 7363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

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. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in November, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC next golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for November is being planned. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment.

The PEC German Speaking Group hold their meetings on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00am. They meet in the Conference Room of Wat Chaimongkon Temple in South Pattaya, near the Intersection of Second Road and South Pattaya Road. The Conference Room is in the big white building at the end of the temple complex. Next meetings are 18 November & 2 December. Contact Erwin Schlottmann, 086 009 8497, email: (erwinschlottmann@gmail.com)

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 18. November und 2. December 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497

Sun-12-Nov-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335

Sun-12-Nov-06 Earliest sundown Pattaya at 1746 (latest sundown is 29 June)

Tue-14-Nov-06 THE VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA - 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:00pm, 99 baht. For further information call: Café New Orleans: 038710805

Wed-15-Nov-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086,

Sun-19-Nov-06 Long Boat racing on Mapracham Lake - there will be a small charge for car parking. Opens around 1200. There are lots of stalls with food and beer. It is very exciting, and lots of noise.

Sun-19-Nov-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335

Fri-24-Nov-06 Thanksgiving Day (US): Thursday, November 24

Sat-25-Nov-06 Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) Annual Gala Ball at the Royal Cliff Hotel. Tickets 1950 baht, an excellent sit down dinner and beverages. There will be a raffle with substantial prizes, and a silent auction.

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)

See you soon, MC - Brian.

Pattaya Expats Newsletter November 1, 2006

2006-11-01T07:48:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 5 November, 2006:

Khun Tomdee, Superconsultant, and his lawyer associate Khun Suwiwat, will address the club on the following legal matters:

1. Summary of laws restricting purchase of land by foreign investors.
2. Changes of land office practices since May 2006 until now.
3. Changes of company registry practice since August 2006 until now.
4. What options are available to foreign investors if they want to purchase land, and what should they be aware of before they pay the purchase money?

Some of the questions they will address are: “Can farangs use limited company to buy land in Thailand? Can they be sole director of the limited company which holds land? If they buy a limited company holding land, can they change of name of the directors and shareholders after the transfer of interest in land?

Khun Tomdee and Khun Suwiwat will answer questions after their presentation.

Events Calendar for this week:

LOY KRATHONG Festival on Sunday 5th November.

PATTAYA EASTERN SOUND MUSIC CITY 2006 on 1st to 5th November at Jomtien Beach. 4.00pm until midnight.

3rd ANNUAL CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL “PATTAYA PRAISE” 1st to 4th November at Pattaya Church Soi 5 Pattaya Nua Road at 7.00pm.

ROTARY MOUNTAIN BIKE EASTERN CHAMPIONSHIP 2006. Sessions: Saturday 4th November at Kaow Chijan and Saturday 9th December at Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya.

FULL MOON FESTIVAL on 4th & 5th November on Koh Lan. Tickets 600 baht upwards. Return trip to/from island via Bali Hai. From 6.00pm to 9.00pm. After 9.00 pm next boat is 1.00am back to mainland. Contact 089-911-5508, 081-863-1027 or 084-009-5257.

CHARITY SALE at BANGKOK HOSPITAL PATTAYA on Saturday 4th November 9.30am to 3.30pm.

CHARITY GALA CONCERT AT ALANGKARN Theatre, for Chanthaburi Province relief. Saturday 11th November. Alangkarn Theatre, Sukhumvit Road near Ambassador City.

The musicians and performers, from the Garden International School in Rayong, promise an exciting and dramatic show using all three stages at the Alankarn Theater, with many special effects and ensembles.

Tickets: 500 baht, available at Foodland and at PEC meeting Nov. 5. Revenue from ticket sales goes to the flood victims in the Chanthaburi province. Alangkarn: 038 256 005 / GIS: 038 880 363 / Rotary Club: 081 815 4580.

BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or

lbcrone@hotmail.com

FM 103 every Saturday from 12 noon to 2PM

Our very own PEC Ken Bowkett is hosting a radio show every Saturday, on FM 103, from noon to 2PM. “Santa” Ken talks to guests, makes a few suggestions, and spins a few hot discs…enjoy the show! Ken also be hosts a guest in his studio, along with the great music. Tune in the “Kuddly Ken Show” on FM 103.

Brian Maxey has returned from the wilderness, and will be your M.C. this Sunday, and will lead our 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 !

After our members Open Forum we also have Lucky Draw prizes of 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 will have our late-morning 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.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 10:30, are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club’s greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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. Club sponsor Key Visa Co Ltd, represented by Darren McGarry and Stephen Wilson, offer our members free advice, in the club house foyer, on personal Thai visa and immigration queries – please show your members card.

Plus, our large take-away information point, with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya, is open until the end of the meeting.

Tickets are sold 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.

Pattaya Expats Newsletter for October 26, 2006

2006-10-27T02:42:00.000+07:00

Dear Pattaya Expat Club members and friends,

Our planned Club Programme for October 29, 2006

Voice Over Internet Protocol presented by iphone of Norway

Mr. Gisle Larsen from Iphone in Norway, and Mr Tom Stenshavn from Iphone Thailand will present their new phone service, iphone. With this service, if you are from Europe, USA or Australia, you can have a local number from your home country here in Thailand. You can call to your home country for your local home country rates, and they can call for the same rates to you. It is also very cheap to call everywhere else in the world. All you need is an ADSL connection here in Thailand. You can make the calls from a regular phone, not the computer, the sound quality is excellent, and you pay only for your calls, no subscription or monthly fees required. Iphone will have an information table set up outside the meeting room.

Events Calendar for this week:

VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL to be held between 21st-31st October. Parade starts at Bali Hai Pier. Festival at Laan Po, Naklua.

THE CHARITY CLUB OF PATTAYA is having a pub night at KILKENNY'S on Walking Street on Friday 27th October to raise funds for a Christmas party in December with Gifts for the Children at the Camillian Centre.

FAIRTEX SPORT CLUB & RESORT

Halloween Salsa Nite Fundraiser Saturday October 28th. 7:00pm.

700 baht includes buffet, drinks, salsa lesson, costume contest, prizes.

Tickets: call Kavita Lamb: 09-6021-705 or Zina Docto: 083-7100-252

All monies donated to local charity.

BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or

lbcrone@hotmail.com

BUDDHA IMAGE CONTEST at Muang 2nd School on 29th October

HALLOWEEN on 31st October.

FM 103 every Saturday from 12 noon to 2PM

Our very own PEC Ken Bowkett is hosting a radio show every Saturday, on FM 103, from noon to 2PM. "Santa" Ken talks to guests, makes a few suggestions, and spins a few hot discs...enjoy the show! Ken also be hosts a guest in his studio, along with the great music. Tune in the "Kuddly Ken Show" on FM 103.

Alexander Valentine is your M.C. this Sunday, and will lead our Open Microphone Forum, as well as give us a look at the latest funnies from the 'net, 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 !

After our members Open Forum we also have Lucky Draw prizes of 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 will have our late-morning 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.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 10:30, are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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. Club sponsor Key Visa Co Ltd, represented by Darren McGarry and Stephen Wilson, offer our members free advice, in the club house foyer, on personal Thai visa and immigration queries - please show your members card.

Plus, our large take-away information point, with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya, is open until the end of the meeting.

Tickets are sold 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.
This newsletter also appears on our blog, along with some of the articles from the website and any late breaking news. The advantage of the blog is that you get an opportunity to add comments that find their way directly back to the Pattaya Expat Club management team (and all of the blog readers of course).

http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com

Wherever you are in the world today, we wish you a wonderful upcoming weekend, and if you are not already enjoying life in Pattaya - then come back soon and best wishes from all of us at the Pattaya Expats Club.

Pattaya Expats Club Newsletter Sept 19, 2006

2006-09-19T17:15:00.000+07:00

Dear Pattaya Expats Club Members & Friends

Our planned Club Programme for Sunday, September 24, 2006

Our guest speaker this Sunday will be Khun Wichai Punnoi, who will be addressing us on Thai law regarding libel, also child custody, inheritance between Thai relatives, and ATM bank fraud, topics requested by our club members.

Khun Wichai will be introduced by his associate and friend, TV advertising producer Gary Bruton, who will illustrate Khun Wichai’s experience over the last 28 years in
Thai law. After graduating from Ramkhamhaeng U. Law School in 1978, Khun Wichai started as a very successful criminal lawyer, and moved up to become a “jack of all trades” in the legal profession.

KhunWichai’s “Scolding, Defaming & Libel”, is his latest legal article for Ex-Pats, and his fifth one to date. In his latest article, Khun Wichai has a lively interpretation of Thai customs and attitudes, and writes, “Samples in comparative or contemporary Thai scolding words that are insulting by law are like when you call somebody animal, Dog, Buffalo, Monitor Lizard or put the word “Face” in front of those animals.”

FM 103 every Saturday from 12 noon to 2PM

Our very own PEC Ken Bowkett is hosting a radio show every Saturday, on FM 103. Santa Ken talks to guests, makes a few suggestions, and spins a few hot discs…enjoy the show!
Ken will also be hosting a guest in his studio, along with the great music. Tune in the “Kuddly Ken Show” on FM 103.

This week Brian Maxey is your M.C. and will lead our Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in this Sunday morning, at 2nd Rd’s Grand Sole Hotel and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !

After our members Open Forum we also have Lucky Draw prizes of 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 1130 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.

We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 1130 am, with the optional brunch from about 1030 am till after 12 noon. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that cost we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 1030 are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club’s greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht expiring 31 Dec 2007 or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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 and with premium at under 11,000 B – please show your members card to apply. They also have a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover available. Club sponsors the Key Visa Co Ltd, represented by Darren McGarry and Stephen Wilson, offer our members free advice, in the club house foyer, on personal Thai visa and immigration queries – please show your members card.
Plus, our large take-away information point with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya is open until the end of the meeting.

Our Meeting Entry cost, now set by the Hotel at 80 Baht, are sold as tickets from 1030 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.

Here's the report from our MC on the September 17th meeting:

Hi, I'm Brian. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
(info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

17 September 2006 - Meeting Manager:- Richard Ravensdale (ably assisted by Paul Moore).

Had a ‘day-off’ from the big kids last week, and instead visited the Jesters and their younger kids. A nice cool cloudy day, provided a good backdrop to ‘all the fun of the fair’, Jesters 2006 9th Annual Children’s Fair, once more at the great free venue of Diana Garden Golf Driving Range, North Pattaya. Many of the items on offer are free to the young, and fairly priced for the olderly. This annual event has outdone itself each of the previous years, let’s hope it can do so again. Well done ‘Woodie’ & all the crew who make this a very successful and pleasant day.
I was invited to speak on local radio on Saturday. TRS 103 transmits to greater Pattaya and the host ‘Cuddly Ken’ charmed his way through another couple of hours of great ‘western’ style music – good old ‘Rock ‘n Roll’. The station is expanding and looking for more budding DJ’s who might like to present a variety of music to sooth the savage expat. We spoke of PEC, expats experiences, phone tips, visas, and how we all come to be here in paradise! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience – good on ya Ken! Three of our members are already DJs!

Sunday saw a large group at our meeting (250+) eager to hear the latest from the Immigration Police regarding some changes to the visa rules. Darren McGarry (Key Visa Co.) presented a very detailed review of the ‘Proposed Changes’, and the latest news on those proposals. First, it must be said that these proposals have NOT been finally ratified yet, but a report from a very high level meeting within the Immigration Police tells some of the story. Here it is: (1) No change to the current rules for ‘Retirement Visa’. (2) No change to the current rules for ‘supporting a Thai national Visas’ (often referred to as a ‘marriage visa’). (3) No change to current 3m baht ‘Investment Visas’ – but after 1 October no NEW 3m baht ‘Investment Visas’! (4) From 1 October for ‘no-visa’ entries (30-day stay), a maximum of 90 days in a 6 month period (number of entries not mentioned!) will be allowed. After that entry by visa only. The aim is to stop the possibility of ‘living’ in Thailand by using 30-day border runs from 1 October 2006. Of course, the officer at Immigration entry still has discretion on enforcement of these rules, and the aim is to target repeated 30-day stays in Thailand. There are more than a dozen different visa categories under which you may visit Thailand, you just need to identify the right one for you. Visas cannot be obtained in Thailand!

Darren McGarry & Stephen Wilson, Key Visa Co, have two large offices – Jomtien, near the Hanoman Statue call 038303735 – Pattaya, in Soi LK Metro call 038422131. The hotline is 010045397.

Please remember these are ‘proposals’ not yet ‘ratified’.

Niels Colov gave very clear insight to the members who may be disappointed at the changes of Immigration rules, and explained that Thailand has to do what it thinks is best for the country’s future. I agree that the current visa situation has been unacceptable in international security terms and this is definitely a step in the right direction (MC).

Richard, recently returned from UK, related his experience of trying to get UK onshore Bank interest ‘tax-free’. It was more complicated than he thought! Basically if you are resident in UK, you can get the bank to pay ‘gross’ (if authorised) by filling out a special tax exempt form. But if you are non-resident they cannot do it this way, you have to reclaim any tax paid direct from the IRS. The UK tax, national insurance and pension website is very comprehensive: (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk)
AA Insurance have updated their information relating to the PEC Annual Group Medical Insurance. Visit our website for the latest. Their contact details are: Pattaya Central Road, just east of Carrefour, on the south side of the road. 503/3 Pattaya Klang Road, Banglamung. Office: +66(0) 38 415 795(&6), Fax: +66(0) 38 374 251. Email: .
(http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/How_The_Scheme_Works.doc) (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/Scheme_Benefits.doc). (http://www.aainsure.net).
Also ‘FAST’ (Farang Aid & Support Team). A scheme whereby your essential information (both medical & personal) is recorded on a central secure database. A simple call (24/7) to the emergency FAST number (on your photo I.D. card) gets a response. Someone not involved in your problem has the essential information & will assist, with legal help if necessary. Arrest, injury or illness, they will help. Contact: 038 416 698, 081 762 0013, (info@fastaid.co.th) (http://www.fastaid.co.th).
A 2-unit condo for sale. Nirun Grandville, Soi Arunothai (near Carrefour). Call for details: Lionel 038 373 322.

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--
Buddie - meetings are continuing with Lynda Crone, from the US. She moderates group discussions about – well, almost anything. A different subject is collectively chosen each week for the following week. It’s very relaxed and ‘low-key’, and often humorous. Their overall aim is to help newcomers & residents alike to improve their relationship with their new home & it’s inhabitants. They meet at The Redemtorist Centre (beyond the car park on the left, room 1), Sukhumvit Road (km 145) just north of the turn from the top of Central Pattaya Road each Wednesday evening at 7:00pm. Ask questions, discuss issues, develop new contacts, and realise that a problem is not necessarily yours alone. Why not give it a try. Contact: Lynda (lbcrone@hotmail.com).

Please tell us if your mobile phone experience has suffered in any way since the recent change from 9 digits to 10 digits. We have heard of none yet.
There is a period until 30 Nov., during which you can dial with either old or new number.

Do not forget to change your ‘address book’ numbers to allow correct ‘auto-dialling’, you can make the changes yourself by adding an appropriate ‘8’ to your stored numbers.
A great question was raised recently. “When changing my phone-book numbers, how do I know which are mobile, and which are house phones. Good question!! Visit: (http://www.thailand-uk.com/phones/10digitmobile.php) for the answer.
D-tac currently have a promotion: 0.25 baht per min + 5 baht for the first min (that’s under 20 baht per hour! anywhere in Thailand). Also, a promotion called ‘Simple’ that allows a top-up to last for 1 year, for those folks who don’t use it much.

There’s a “UK Ex-Services Club”, Tropical Bert's Bar, 2nd Road (opp Bangkok Bank) every Sunday 1300-1700, phone 098072335 for info.

Visa Runs in the afternoon/evening from ‘1st Class Visa Runs’, Witherspoons top of Soi Diana, 061471618. 2400Tb in a 6 person minibus. Mon/Wed/Fri start 1500 return 2200. Discount voucher booklet worth at least 8KTb for use around Pattaya, and freq traveller discount on your 10th run - half price. Also daily morning runs.
British Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Barry Kenyon. Contact 017827363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.
US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 098030388.
Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies from October onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.
Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@msn.com).

The PEC golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for 26 September is at Eastern Star Golf Course. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 081 851 9620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment. If you need to rent a Golf Cart call Ossi soon.

New Time: The Sunday Golf Driving Practice (with free tuition from Ossi Viljanen for PEC members) now runs from 8:30am to 9:30am at the usual location on Sukhumvit Road just across from Central Pattaya Road – The Pride Driving Range. High Handicap players welcome!

The German Speaking Group of the Pattaya Expats Club hold their meetings on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00am. They meet in the Conference Room of Wat Chaimongkon Temple in South Pattaya, near the Intersection of Second Road and South Pattaya Road. The Conference Room is in the big white building at the end of the temple complex. Next meetings are 07 & 21 October. Contact Erwin Schlottmann, 086 009 8497, email: (erwinschlottmann@gmail.com)

Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 7. October und 21. October 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 086 009 8497
Sun-24-Sep-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335
Sun-24-Sep-06 Ramadan 2006: Sept 24 (Depends on the sighting of the moon)
Wed-27-Sep-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086, (lbcrone@hotmail.com)
Thu-28-Sep-06 Suvarnabhumi (New Airport BKK) opens.
Fri-29-Sep-06 Pattaya 'Best of Music' festival starts
Sat-30-Sep-06 Charity Club of Pattaya - Gala Dinner. Dusit Resort 1930 - 2400. Tickets 1800 baht. Christina 0895454185. Malcolm 0897441040
Sun-1-Oct-06 UK EX-Servicemen's Club. Every Sunday at Tropical Bert's 1300 - 1700. 2nd Road opp Bangkok Bank. 038361887, 0898072335
Mon-02-Oct-06 Equinox Pattaya - equal Day/Night 12hrs each
Wed-4-Oct-06 "Buddie" meetings at Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road. 7:00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086, (lbcrone@hotmail.com)
Sat-07-Oct-06 Owk Pensa - end of Buddhist Lent
Sat-07-Oct-06 PILC Holiday Bazaar. Royal Cliff Beach Resort - Siam Ballroom. Call Roseanne 0818650714, (pilc262@yahoo.com)

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)
See you soon, MC, Brian.

Wherever you are in the world today, we wish you a great upcoming weekend , and if you are not already enjoying life in Pattaya - then come back soon.

Best wishes from all of us at the Pattaya Expats Club

Pattaya Expats Club Newsletter Aug 30, 2006

2006-08-30T18:16:00.000+07:00

Dear Pattaya Expats Club Members & Friends

Our planned Club Programme for Sunday, September 3, 2006

News and information on the insurance scene, this week from one of Pattaya's experts, Peter Smith - new products PLUS some very important information for anyone who has a property insurance.

MC is Brian Maxey, Meeting Manager - Paul Moore

This Sunday morning the Clubhouse has one of Pattaya's best known Insurance experts, Peter Smith as keynote speaker with news and information about the insurance scene, new products PLUS very important information for anyone who has a property insurance - as he says "no B.S. this is important !!". Peter has been in the Pattaya business environment a long time and a sponsor of the PEC since 2002 when we worked nearby each other - me in hotel management near
Dolphin Circle at Astoria Resort and he in the nearby 2nd Rd.

AA INSURANCE BROKERS CO., LTD, Peter's newer company since that time, was formed in 2004 with the purpose of providing services to the expat community, initially in the Pattaya area. Since then the company has expanded considerably and now has clients throughout Thailand including at expat hubs Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

The company is majority Thai owned in line with the current legislation laid out by the Department of Insurance (DOI). The two foreign directors have both lived in Thailand now for many years and have a broad range of experience in the insurance industry, both here in Thailand and internationally. AA Insurance Brokers work in partnership with leading international & local insurance companies and they aim to provide the high quality service and the value for money demanded by the expatriate community here.

Their client base is not limited to Thailand but stretches throughout the globe - from housewives to international corporations.

They specialize in designing tailored solutions to individuals and companies alike with services including risk assessment, product design and technical backup.
The Head office is currently located in the centre of Pattaya, with branches in various other locations including Jomtien. The company is technology oriented - it operates a sophisticated paperless office system that ensures efficient processing of clients applications and more importantly claims.

AA Insurance Brokers is constantly updating its ties with the various insurance providers to offer specialist services and difficult to obtain insurance coverage to the oil & gas industries, both onshore & offshore, schools, small businesses, hotels, large corporations and of course the individual expat. Public liability, Employer & employee liability, workmen's compensation, construction, marine, pleasure craft, house, condo, car, motorbike, SME, hotel, restaurant, Medical, Tailored Group medical schemes, Personal accident, life insurance - quite a wide range any of our PEC members may like to know about. AA say their motto is: 'if it can be insured we will get it insured.'
So come and test out their 'claims' this Sunday - no pun intended. They are one of the very few licenced brokers here as Peter is proud of as operating legally in Thailand is most important.

We also have our weekly Lucky Draw ticket prizes of dinners for two at several of Pattaya's finest restaurants - Jameson's, The Globetrotter etc. We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 1130 am, with the optional brunch from about 1030am - another great reason to be a member and to come into the Pattaya Expats Club this Sunday at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that cost we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 1030 are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht expiring 31 Dec 2007 or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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 and with premium at under 11,000 B - as well as a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover are available.

Plus, our large take-away information point with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya is open until the end of the meeting.
Our Meeting Entry cost, now set by the Hotel at 80 Baht, are sold as tickets from 1030 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.
This week Brian Maxey is M.C. and will lead our Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in this Sunday morning, at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !

Richard Ravensdale
Vice President
Here's our MC's report on the Aug 27 meeting:
Hi, I'm Brian. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
(info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)
27 August 2006 - Meeting Manager:- Paul Moore.
(Richard is away for a couple of weeks)
Our main 'Speaker' today was ‘Fairfax Sports Resort Complex’. Zena, and a very fit band of Muay Thai trainers filled the house with martial arts sounds as they kicked and pummelled each other. Due to their skill not one injury occurred or one smile stopped. Zena then asked for a couple of volunteers to undergo a brief workout on stage. Bags of enthusiasm, and shouts of ugh! & ah! resounded throughout the room and all were surprised by their efforts. Our own Golf Pro Ossi gave a very credible show. It should perhaps be remembered by the members that if ever you are in front of Ossi on the fairway, and running a little slow – watch out, he could easily clear the way. Fairtex is located on Pattaya North Rd, just up from the Dolphin traffic circle on the left. It is a very impressive place – I visited last week. It’s built in a style reminiscent of Khmer stone temples, and is the first complete International sports club for Pattaya. There is a huge range of activities including Muay Thai (Thai Boxing or Art of the Eight Limbs), restaurants, bar, detoxification and wellness centres. It has weights and cardiovascular training areas, aerobic classes, Thailand's highest rock climbing wall, a 25 M outdoor pool, air-conditioned squash courts, badminton courts and indoor football, tennis - including lessons, a children's nursery and kids activities and a Five Star Hotel.
Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--
Buddie - meetings are continuing each Wednesday at The Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road, 7:00pm. I have twice visited these meetings of the ‘help’ group using the acronym ‘buddie’ (they were our ‘Speakers’ 9 July). Lynda Crone, from the US, moderates group discussions about – well, almost anything. A different subject is collectively chosen each week for the following week. It’s very relaxed and ‘low-key’, and often entertaining. They meet at The Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road (km 145) just north of the turn from the top of Central Pattaya Road each Wednesday evening at 7:00pm. Their aim is to help foreigners to settle into the local community by discussing those ‘new’ elements found in Thai life. Ask questions, discuss issues, develop new contacts, and realise that a problem is not necessarily yours alone. Why not give it a try.
Peter Drescher (ESA) & Wolfgang (Bon Novo) are trying to organise a presentation on dangerous electrical installations in the home, and they are looking to you to relate your experiences on this subject. So if you have a story send or call: Peter 079411900 (email info@esa-th.com), or Wolfgang 068653575 (email wolfgang.novacek@bonnovo.com).
Darren McGarry & Stephen Wilson, from Key Visa Co, were very much in attendance this week. They were back in their old location (on the right as you enter the meeting hall) with renewed vigour and lots of information & handouts. Darren tells me they will attend regularly with a Thai staff member each week (on the job training). They can help with Thai Immigration regulations, UK/Europe visa requirements, applications at Jomtien Soi 5, and overstay problems. As you know they now have two large offices – Jomtien, near the Hanoman Statue call 038303735 – Pattaya, in Soi LK Metro call 038422131. The hotline is 010045397.
Sunday 10 Sept Jesters at Diana Garden Resort & Driving Range. The 8th year of this fair especially for children is in the afternoon – great fun. Location is: go north on 3rd Road towards Pattaya North Road. About 200 mtrs before the end, on the right, you will see signs for the Diana driving range. Follow these signs and when you hear 1000 kids playing, or see 500 cars trying to park, you’re there. Take your bike, it’s much simpler!
Saturday 16 Sept "Jesters Pub Night" at Jameson's, Soi Sukrudee (Soi A.R.). this one’s for the adults – and it’s all for worthwhile charities. (jesterscd@care4kids.info)
MOBILE PHONES - 10 digit dialling went into effect 1 Sept. 2006 for all Thailand’s mobile phone numbers. Your mobile phone will acquire an extra digit – an 8. Thus new numbers will change as follows: an OLD number 01 2345678, will become 081 2345678, and 09 2345678 will become 089 2345678. If you are called from outside Thailand you need to inform your contacts that they need to add this new 8 to their numbers, e.g. Old number 66 1 2345678, will become 66 81 2345678, and 66 9 2345678 will become 66 89 2345678. Please note: landline (house phone) numbers will NOT change at this time. They may need to change in the future but no information is available at the moment.
Do not forget to change your ‘address book’ numbers to allow correct ‘auto-dialling’.
There will be a period from 1 Sept. to 30 Nov. during which you can dial with either old or new number.
AIS and DTAC tell us all their shops will have a conversion program to add the ‘8’ to your address-book stored numbers, but think carefully if you store numbers in your phone that are NOT phone numbers (as I do!). The program will add to any number that ‘looks’ like a phone number. Once changed these numbers cannot be ‘automatically’ reversed.
You can make the changes yourself by adding an appropriate ‘8’ to your stored numbers.
Do not try to dial a new 10 digit number before 1 Sept. 2006, it will not work.
I plan to ‘wait and see’ for at least a month, before I let a computer change things in my phone. By that time we are bound to have heard of any unforeseen problems occurring.
I use D-tac for my mobile phone carrier and I currently have a promotion that allows me to talk for 1 hr to anywhere in Thailand for a little under 20 baht (0.25baht per min + 5 baht for the first min). The problem is I don’t use it enough to exhaust the money before the time ends. I have discovered a solution. If you establish a user account online with D-tac (Happy Dprompt) they will allow you to swap money for time, or vice versa, so I can extend my time by using up some of my money. Excellent!
There is now a “Pattaya Ex-Services Club”, Tropical Bert's Bar, 2nd Road (opp Bangkok Bank) every Sunday 1300-1700, phone 098072335 for info.
International driving permits, based on a Thai driving licence, are available from Department of Transportation in Bangkok: 1032 Paholyothin Road Bangkok 10900 Tel. 272-3100 and 272-3601-9 , Fax: 272-5343
Visa Runs in the afternoon/evening are becoming a popular item at 1st Class Visa Runs, Witherspoons top of Soi Diana, 061471618. 2400Tb in a 6 person minibus. Mon/Wed/Fri start 1500 return 2200. Discount voucher booklet worth at least 8KTb for use around Pattaya, and freq traveller discount on your 10th run - half price. They also have daily morning runs.
British Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Barry Kenyon. Contact 017827363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.
US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 098030388.
Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies from September onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Richard or Paul our current Speakers Managers. Give him your suggestions and let him arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.
Contact: Richard Ravensdale 010 016 372 (pecrichard@yahoo.co.uk), or Paul Moore 011 776 915 (norfolkconstabulary2000@yahoo.co.uk)
The PEC golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for September is being planned. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 018519620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment. If you need to rent a Golf Cart call Ossi soon.
New Time: The Sunday Golf Driving Practice (with free tuition from Ossi Viljanen for PEC members) now runs from 8:30am to 9:30am at the usual location on Sukhumvit Road just across from Central Pattaya Road – The Pride Driving Range. This is to allow members to attend the PEC new Meeting time of Sundays at 10:30am (program start 11:30). High Handicap players welcome!
The German Speaking Group of the Pattaya Expats Club hold their meetings on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00am. They meet in the Conference Room of Wat Chaimongkon Temple in South Pattaya, near the Intersection of Second Road and South Pattaya Road. The Conference Room is in the big white building at the end of the temple complex. Next meetings are 02 & 16 September. Contact Erwin Schlottmann, 060098497, email: (erwinschlottmann@gmail.com)
Deutschsprachige Treffen. Jeden 1.und 3. Samstag im Monat,10:00 Uhr morgens, im Konferenzsaal des Wat Chaimongkon an der South Pattaya Road. Nachste Treffen: 2. September und 16. September 2006. Jeder ist eingeladen. Info: Erwin 06 009 8497
Mon-04-Sep-06 Labour Day - US Financial markets closed
Sun-10-Sep-06 Jesters “Children’s Day” at Diana Garden Resort & Driving Range
Tue-12-Sep-06 THE VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA - 6:00pm, 99 baht. For reservations call: Café New Orleans: 038710805
Wed-13-Sep-06 Regional competition for National Bartender Contest - Dusit Resort
Sat-16-Sep-06 Jesters "Pub Night" at Jameson's, Soi Sukrudee (Soi A.R.).
Sun-24-Sep-06 Ramadan (on first sighting of the moon)
Thu-28-Sep-06 Suvarnabhumi (New BKK Airport) opens
Fri-29-Sep-06 Pattaya 'Best of Music' festival starts
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: 038427555 Fax: 038427550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.
For location - link to: http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)
See you soon, MC, Brian.

Wherever you are in the world today, we wish you a great upcoming weekend , and if you are not already enjoying life in Pattaya - then come back soon.
Best wishes from all of us at the Pattaya Expats Club

August 13, 2006 Meeting of the PEC

2006-08-19T14:44:00.000+07:00

Press Report on our Sunday 13th August 2006 meeting

Our feature speaker Khun Tong from Apisada Hot House Spa described the Hot House device (pictured left). The product, which arches over the body transmitting ‘far infrared rays’ – FIR, the most beneficial rays produced by the sun, thermally heating the target area of treatment. It increases blood and lymphatic flow and removes toxins, says the literature, via induced vibrations.

It has to be said that there was a great deal of mirth mingled with the enthusiasm of our members in attempting to come to grips with the complexities of the benefits that apparently emerge from the outwardly simple looking devices. It does however have to be said that a room full of farang with a few years of Pattaya life under their belt tend to be skeptical at best.

The Chi machine (pictured on the right) is the device seen here beneath the heels of one of our members, who bravely offered himself as a guinea pig, to authenticate the demonstration. Remarkably, though the device was only in contact with our victim’s feet, his whole body jiggled about like a big blob of ‘flubber’. However, said ‘guinea pig’ came to no harm and claimed to feel refreshed by the experience.

On the left our ‘guinea pig’ is being tested, to see if his ‘Chi’ has gained in strength during the short demonstration. The simmering mirth among our members broke into guffaws of laughter as our guinea pig enthusiastically resisted the pushing and pulling of the demonstrators. He it seemed is a natural showman and a bit of a comedian too.

The Chi machine is described as having the effect of providing a passive therapeutic massage and was ‘developed’ by Dr Shizuo Inoue, president of Japan Oxygen Foundation, as a result of his 38 years of research. The machine is essentially a foot rest which slowly jiggles the feet, and so moves body organs to and fro sideways. The exercise that it provides in 15 minutes use is said to be equivalent to the oxygenation the body gets from a brisk 90 minute walk. The Chi machine is also said to provide steady weight correction, more energy, encourage restful sleep, and while balancing the spine, improves immune system.

David Dallimer, our clubs new Press Officer was introduced to the members by Richard Ravensdale. David gave a short explanation as to the clubs goal’s and objectives in our planned attempt to raise the profile of our club throughout the wider community. David added that it is hoped that increased press coverage will benefit farang readers through conveying useful information about the life of farang in Thailand and how a club like ours is able to provide a viable environment for the exchange of information and ideas that will enable members to live safely and legally in Thailand.

Niels Colov – President seen on the left receiving a brilliant reproduction of the ‘Mona Lisa’ on the occasion of his birthday and in recognition of his unstinting support of our club. The presentation is being made by Richard Ravensdale, vice president of our club.

Charity activity and Events Niels Colov informed the members that the board have decide to award three scholarships to needy children during the coming week.

The initiative is being taken by the Pattaya YWCA and our small award will go forward with the 2,000 awards that have been pledged though the YWCA. These funds are to be given to needy Banglamung school children to enable their continuing education which would not be possible without charitable help.

Niels Colov also invited members to join some Thai movie stars and local Thai Notable gentlemen at a celebrity birthday party organised by a former City Council member. Our club members have been invited to mix with high ranking Thai's at a 12 rai estate, which has 'five a side' football pitches. At the function there will be a team competition featuring England, France, Germany and Ireland, plus a show match with Pattaya VIPs vs. Thai movie stars. Plenty of food and beverages and Guest of Honour will be the City Mayor.

Presentation Richard Ravensdale thanked the ‘Grand Sole Hotel’s’ Catering Manager and his staff (pictured on the right) for serving our members so well during the last month. Richard presented them all with a modest gratuity collected by our members in recognition of their hard work.

Open Microphone Forum This week our trusty Brian Maxey took time out as our M.C. while Richard Ravensdale (pictured left), our Vice President took over the dual role of MC and our open forum moderator. Fewer Members were present this holiday weekend but those present were keen participants with questions and answers which were primarily focused on an immigration anomaly.

Q. Specifically the question was how best to approach immigration in disparate countries when family member has dual Thai-British nationality, when traveling to Europe on a British passport. Would he/she, even though a Thai citizen, have to acquire a tourist visa to re-enter Thailand upon their return? Many suggestions were offered from the floor, during which our Brian Maxey magically appeared in the midst of his day off and gave a credible dissertation of how one should approach immigration when re-entering Thailand in such circumstances.

A. An alternative suggestion is travel with two passports, one Thai and one British, use the Thai passport to leave and re-enter Thailand and the British passport to enter and leave Europe, thus avoiding the need for a visa at either end of the journey.

Q. A member requested an explanation for an additional sum in his electricity bill?

A. ‘FT’ is short for fuel tax. During this time of elevated oil prices the additional fuel cost to the generating companies is being passed on to the consumer.

Q. Will the restrictions on carry on luggage in Europe and the USA affect departures from Thailand?

A. It is thought that the Thai authorities will follow the Occidental rule as usual, so yes you can expect carry on luggage restrictions at Thai airports.

Q. What is this about cell phone numbers, Will we need a new SIM card?

A. No you don’t need a new SIM card. From September 1st all cell phone numbers will have an addition number ‘8’ added after the first ‘0’ of the number. We can edit our cell phone address book ourselves or take to the phone representative office of the ‘carrier’ (D-tac, 1-2-call, etc) and they will do it for us. (see PEC website for phone info:
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonetips.htm

Q. A member asked where he could but ‘L’ Plates which he needs because he is teaching his Thai partner to drive.

A. In Thailand people are taught to drive ‘Off Road’ so they don’t need ‘L’ Plates. There is an off road driving practice ground that is owned by a local Temple and is used by Pattaya driving Schools. Members of the public can use this site to teach there partner to drive ‘out of hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. The practice ground overlooks Mapprachan Reservoir on the opposite side of the road to Wat Nongprue.

Announcements

• A member told of his Post Office Box having had its lock changed and been sold to another visitor. So if you have a PO box check it out soon. This member had been using the same PO box for ten years and did not receive any notification of this change.

• The Royal Thai Consulate in Birmingham England has changed address so be sure you have the new address before you make a new application.

• A member is selling off his personal library of English books. If you wish to buy any please let Brian Maxey, our MC know.

• Brian Maxey reminded members that the lowest tariff overseas call to the UK can be accessed by prefixing the number to be dialed with 009-44 and of course you leave out the first ‘0’ of the subscribers number. See PEC website for phone info: www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonrtips.htm

• A destitute British Citizen is lying in hospital, the club wishes to know if there is any local charity that can help him.

• A member recalled treatment at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital which in his view was covered by the club group policy that he had purchased. However, the hospital tried to insist that he pay cash and claim the cost back from the insurer him-self. This is in contravention of our agreement with the hospital. He argued his point strongly and at last the hospital agreed to bill our insurer direct. So if you find yourself in a similar circumstance dig your heels in and get the same result.

Lucky Draw Our Lucky Draw prizes were of dinners for two at the Premiership and other 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 next Sunday 1130 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.

PEC Meeting Program for August 13, 2006

2006-08-11T09:56:00.000+07:00

Meeting Programme for Sunday 13 August 2006.

This week first of a new regular feature on ‘Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand’ hosted by Khun Sombat
Feature speaker Khun Tong of SOQI hot spa, on a dramatic weight-loss system with a clubhouse demonstration.
News of several needy Banglamung school sponsorships to be awarded by PEC
News of a celebrity birthday party you can attend with Pattaya Thai VIPs and movie stars
MC is Richard Ravensdale
and with our new Meeting Manager - Paul Moore

Pattaya Motorcycle Taxi driver and PECs own eastern psychologist Khun Somba,t is back on stage this week with another episode of both serious and amusing advice for expats in understanding Thai thinking, where east meets west, in both domestic harmony and friction and the cultural ‘head-on’ collision’s are not all road traffic accidents. This week we have asked him to start the first of a regular feature, suggested by our Club President, on advice with the ‘Do’s & Don’ts in Thailand’.

Main feature this week by popular request of expats wanting to shed a few Pounds (in weight) is a presentation of SOQI hot spa a company with a local branch on 2nd Rd, down toward Pattaya Tai from the Marriott Resort. Khun Tong the branch manager, from the Phillipines, will give a powerpoint slide show and demonstrate the ‘Chi’ machine, with willing victims in the audience. When I went to SOQI to book this speaker, carrying a magazine advert supplied by club member ‘Big Ken’ which claimed a loss of 1 to 3 inches off your waistline after the first treatment – I didn’t expect it to happen to me but it did. Me and an Amercian club member were invited to try it out. A rather painful massage later, pummeling liver and kidneys, basted with ginger cream and wrapped in cling film I went under the grill…you’ll have to come Sunday to hear the rest of my story. (But I did lose an inch !).

Khun Tong will describe the Hot House, a product which arches over the body transmitting ‘far infrared rays’ – FIR, the most beneficial rays produced by the sun, thermal heating the target area of treatment. It increases blood and lymphatic flow and removes toxins, says the literature, via vibrations.

The Chi machine which we hope to have onstage gives a passive therapeutic massage – developed by Dr Shizuo Inoue, president of Japan Oxygen Foundation, after 38 years of research. The machine is a foot rest which slowly jiggles the feet, and so moves body organs to and fro sideways. The exercise it provides in 15 minutes use is said to be equivalent to the oxygenation the body gets from a brisk 90 minute walk. The Chi machine is said to provide steady weight correction, more energy, restful sleep, balances the spine, improves immune system etc.

So, a fascinating topic for anyone concerned with their weight and good health.

We will have Club News of education scholarships to be awarded with PEC charity funds to needy Banglamung school children and also...how you can join some Thai movie stars at a celebrity birthday party organised by a former City Council member. Our club members have been invited to mix with high ranking Thai's at a 12 rai estate, which has 'five a side' football pitches and so there will be a team competition featuring England, France, Germany and Ireland, plus a show match with Pattaya VIPs va Thai movie stars. Plenty of food and beverages and Guest of Honour will be the City Mayor. Your invite details will be given this Sunday.

We also have Lucky Draw prizes of dinners for two at the Premiership and other 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 1130 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd. For one week only we add a special prize to our Lucky Draw when we announce a free tour to Koh Samet to be won, donated by the popular Jomtien travel agency JR Travel. It is being donated in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday.

We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 1130 am, with the optional brunch from about 1030am till after 12 noon. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that cost we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 1030 are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club’s greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht expiring 31 Dec 2007 or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year - as well as a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover are available.

Plus, our large take-away information point with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya is open until the end of the meeting.

Our Meeting Entry cost, now set by the Hotel at 80 Baht, are sold as tickets from 1030 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.

This week I am your M.C. and will lead our Open Microphone Forum.Please come this Sunday morning, at 2nd Rd’s Grand Sole Hotel and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !

Richard Ravensdale
Vice President

Pattaya Expats Club - telephone tips in Thailand

2006-08-11T09:48:00.000+07:00

TELEPHONE TIPS (1 August 2006)

This free information is provided by Pattaya Expats Club.

Mobile Phones: The various providers have offices in Pattaya: D-tac
office in Big C South Pattaya, and Carrefour supermarket. -- AIS
(1-2-call) Telewiz in IT City (TukCom) & Carrefour supermarket. -- Orange is in
Royal Garden Plaza, ground floor, Beach Rd., entrance.

The Thai Government have announced changes to the Mobile Phone
Numbering System. It is planned to add another digit - an 8. e.g. an existing
number (01 234 5678) will become (081 234 5678). This will apply to all
providers of Mobile services. If you plan a change to your business
cards, please be aware. The suggestion is for this to happen in 2006.

House Phones: ToT current charges for a new installation is 3700 baht
(+ 100 baht line rental per month)

Save money on Domestic calls in Thailand, from a 'fixed-line' (house
phone), using either ToT or TT&T lines.

Pattaya telephone numbers starting 0382xxxxx or 0384xxxxx are TOT
lines. Those starting 0383xxxxx or 0387xxxxx are TT&T lines.

When dialling within Thailand, but OUTSIDE your own 'local' area, dial
1234, then the area code and number you are calling, to ANY phone -
ANYWHERE IN THAILAND (both fixed line AND mobile), you will get a
substantial discount (since 13 October 2000). The discount varies slightly with
the carrier (ToT or TT&T). I live in Pattaya, I've used this system
for years. A call to my wife's 'home' village, to a mobile phone, is
normally 12 baht/min (ToT). Using this '1234' system the cost is reduced to
2 baht/min every time, 24hrs a day (currently a promotion gives 1.5
baht/min). The SAME pre-dial code is used for both ToT & TT&T lines.
[Currently my mobile phone promotion (D-tac) is even cheaper than this!]

(this works FROM any fixed-line phone TO both fixed and mobile)
(example of dial sequence 1234-053-43xxxx for Chiang Mai area)

Many people find a problem when they first acquire Internet access in
their home. The phone number used to connect to your choice of ISP
(Internet Service Provider) may NOT be a 'local call'. A 'local call' will
cost you only 3 baht to make the call, no matter how long you are on
line. An 'out of local area call' will be charged per/minute. Pattaya area
phone code is 038 - so is the whole of Chon Buri, Rayong, &
Chachoengsao. To call Chachoengsao would NOT be a 'local call' - you would be
charged per/minute. Make sure the number you call is local. 0382xxxxx,
0383xxxxx, 0384xxxxx, 0387xxxxx are 'local numbers' for Pattaya.
If you have to call outside your area use the '1234 system' (listed
above). At least it will be cheaper than a direct call.
The only time you can use a 'national' number and get a local charge is
if the complete number is a 4 digit number (e.g. 1222, similar to the
0800 system). For example ToT has a national Internet access number
1288. You can use these numbers from anywhere in Thailand.

Domestic - Thailand Mobile Discount

D-Tac. 25 Satang/min (.25 baht) after the first minute (5 baht or 1
baht for the first minute, depending on the promotion). If you have D-Tac,
or Dprompt, or Happy sim, dial *1003 and follow the instructions, or go
to one of the D-Tac outlets in the big supermarkets. I did, it works.
It's also handy to top-up your prepaid time with this carrier from an
ATM, or via internet-banking. Again a promotion exists - 900 baht of time
for 800 baht cost. It's getting better! (I now find I run out of 'usage
time' before I run out of 'available money' - guess I'll just have to
talk more!)

One more tip. SMS (this is the text messaging service, available on
most mobile phones) charges are less than 10 baht per message (a fixed
charge, depending on provider) to anywhere in the world. D-Prompt Baby Sim
has now reduced this charge to 3 baht per message. D-Tac/Happy charge 5
baht per message international, and 3 baht domestic.

The internet is still the cheapest world-wide telephone service (Skype,
for example), but it continues to have some drawbacks, and requires
computer equipment. However, if you are one of those lucky ones on a good
fast connection (or better still Broadband) you could try 'DialPad'
(http://www.dialpad.com), they have 3 monthly plans and 2 prepaid.
Particularly good for US access (from member Dave - thanks!)

Most Thai mobiles these days will call International, including
pre-paid card phones.

CALLING INTERNATIONAL FROM THAILAND

There are now two 'official' companies offering International Telephone
Services here in Thailand.

CAT - offers 'International' connections via the prefix 001 & 009
(different prices), and is available for almost all phones.

ToT - offers 'International' connections via the prefix 007 & 008
(different prices), and is available for all phones.

001. The original International Access code for use FROM Thailand. All
phones will connect if prefix 001 is used. The quality is excellent,
BUT this is the most expensive method. In most cases it will NOT be
necessary to use 001 - try these others first.

007. This is the new high quality service for ALL lines + mobiles
(cheaper than 001). Recommended for fax use, and '1st class' voice.

009. This is the new prefix number for all TT&T lines, AND mobile
phones of these providers (AMPS, GSM, CDME, D-TAC, AIS, ORANGE). This prefix
provides a good discount via Voip (reduced quality) (cheaper than 007).

008. This is the new reduced quality service for ALL lines + mobiles,
perfectly adequate for voice (cheaper than 007).

Note - 007. Prices vary with destination, but, until further notice a
promotion of no more than 9 baht/min will operate 24/7 to the following
countries:

Note - 009. Prices vary with destination, and promotions come and go,
but many 'western' countries are either 5 baht/min or 7 baht/min. see
prices at: http://web1.cattelecom.co.th/

Note - 008. Prices vary with destination, but, until further notice a
promotion of no more than 6 baht/min will operate 24/7 to the following
countries:

Alaska, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Indonesia,
Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos. Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway,
Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, U.K, USA.

A 'Phone Net' card obtainable from CAT (and many small mini-marts) cost
300 or 500 baht. These allow International calls to various
destinations for as low as 4 baht-min (when you use the 009 prefix). Prices vary
for different destinations. A survey at our Sunday meeting found 4
people who used it & loved it, and 1 had no success at all. Cards are valid
for 1-year from initial use. Prices can be found in English at:
http://web1.cattelecom.co.th/ (Thanks Jay)

David in Udon wrote: When I travel to USA, I take along the US 800-
tollfree number printed on CAT's Phone Net enclosure, along with the
card's code. That way, I pay only 6 baht/min with instant access to the
familiar CAT-girl's voice menu. Idea for US-based farang wishing to call
their tee-rak: have your honey buy a CAT card locally, then email the
code to you. (good one David, thanks. BM)

Many questions come up relating to International Telephone Calls to
Thailand. The following is a very basic explanation:

Four sets of numbers are required to successfully call Internationally
- FROM anywhere.

1. The International Exchange access number in the country you are
calling FROM.

2. The country ID-code number you are calling TO.

3. The 'area-code' in the country you are calling TO.

4. The actual subscriber phone number in the country you are calling
TO.

1. To access the International Exchange if you are in USA: 011

1. To access the International Exchange if you are in UK: 00

1. To access the International Exchange if you are in Thailand -
varies, see above.

2. The Country ID-code for Thailand is: 66 (USA is: 1, UK is: 44,
Australia is: 61)

3. The 'area-code' for Pattaya is: 38 (Bangkok is: 2, Chiang Mai is:
53)

3. The 'area-code' for a mobile is either 1 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 9
(so many mobiles!!)

4. Here's where the problem usually occurs!

Thai numbers are listed as (e.g) 038xxxxxx or 02xxxxxxx or maybe
07xxxxxxx (always 9 digits), but this only applies when dialling from WITHIN
Thailand. When calling International TO Thailand the first '0' is
always omitted (leaving 8 digits).

So when calling a Thai mobile from UK, the full dial would be 00 66
7xxxxxxx (12 digits).

00 is the international access code within UK.

66 is Thailand's international ID code.

7xxxxxxx - the actual mobile telephone number of the subscriber in
Thailand.

And a 'house-phone' in Pattaya from USA would be 011 66 38xxxxxx (13
digits).

011 is the international access code within USA.

66 is Thailand's international ID code.

38xxxxxx - the actual fixed-line telephone number of the subscriber in
Thailand.

As you can see, how many digits you dial depends on WHERE you are
calling FROM, and where you are calling TO.

CALLING TO THAILAND FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY

If you are calling from the UK there are a number of 'cheaper-rate'
companies to choose from. In each case you are required to dial a UK
number BEFORE dialling international. (The access numbers change
periodically, so keep checking the websites).

Look here for an index of cheap phone call operators in UK (many at 1p
per min): http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/

EXAMPLE. If calling a Thai 'House-phone' or 'mobile' from the UK, you
would dial the UK phone number first - pause briefly (maybe hearing a
short announcement telling you the cost per minute) - then ALL of the
'normal international' number (mentioned above)

e.g. (everything you need to dial) 08444621919 - wait for announcement
- 006638xxxxxx - that's it!

(Beware - non BT line providers may charge extra for this service)

UK mobiles can call Thailand using the above systems. To find out the
cost of calling from a UK mobile, or a non BT landline, you should
confirm the rates directly with your service provider as these may vary.
Here is a short list of the information access numbers to a few popular UK
mobile providers:

Orange - (07973 100 150)

Vodafone - (07836 191 191)

mmO2 - (08705 214 000)

One 2 One / T-Mobile - (08454 125000)

Virgin - (0845 6000 789)

NTL - (0800 052 2000)

Telewest - (0845 142 00 00)

BT - (0800 800 150)

One.Tel - (0800 957 0700).

Check the rates before you call. They do vary a lot, but some are VERY
cheap!

A reader from Belgium uses www.thaitel.com - Always very good access
and good sound quality. To verify the credit card you have to give your
telephone number and they call you to ask for the 3 digit control number
from your credit card. This procedure happens only once during the
opening of your account. Good now for 15 months. (Thanks to Guido & Phai
January 2006)

A reader sent this recommendation for 'reduced cost' calls to Thailand
(and to many other destinations). Visit
http://www.sawasdeetalk.com/ for further information. (Thanks Nick)

To call Thailand from Australia - March 2006 - I've been using a
prepaid calling card called "Click" that can be purchased in Australia at
many tobacco shops, convenience stores, some petrol stations. Not every
shop would have it, ask around. This card may not be the cheapest,
according to the advertised rate, but this was the best deal I could find -
in total cost and experience. After you bought the card (in 10, 20, 50
dollar denominations) you can recharge it by calling customer service
1300 300 356 and paying any amount you want by credit card. Current rate
is 5 cents a minute (Bangkok & Chiang Mai) and 12.5 cents a minute rest
of Thailand & mobile. Website: (www.c2comms.net) - Thank you Andrei.

Please tell us of cheap-rate access to Thailand from other countries,
especially USA & Australia (email info@pattayaexpatsclub.com). Expats
helping Expats!

ToT service center - dial 1100 (Thai language)
ToT faults - dial 1177 followed by (for Pattaya) 0382xx or 0384xx
(where 2xx or 4xx is the first 3 digits of your own phone number). This
should take you direct to the engineering depot for your location.

http://www.cattelecom.com

http://www.totweb.net/eng/default.aspx

http://www.ttt.co.th/home/home.php

http://www.dtac.co.th/en/default.aspx

http://www.happydprompt.com

If you're still having problems, email - (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

If you discover errors in the above, please send corrections to -
(info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

Press Release August 6, 2006

2006-08-11T08:51:00.000+07:00

Pattaya Expats Club (PEC) - Est. 2001

Founder of the ‘Association of Thailand Expats Clubs’.

Email From David Dallimer, Press Officer, Pattaya.

daviddallimer@hotmail.com Tel. Mobile 07 131 1008

Our Web-Site is well worth a visit and receives and average

Of 18,000 hits a day, Go Here: www.Pattayaexpatsclub.com

PRESS RELEASE – August 6th 2006

The Pattaya Expats Club, was founded by our Board Member Pete Mills in 2001, and our web master continuously since then. He can be reached by email on info@pattayaexpatsclub.com was the only expats weekly advice forum in town for its first couple of years service to our community – check the local press archives, you won’t find any other back then !

You’ll see us listed these days as Founder of ATEC, the ‘Association of Thailand Expats Clubs’ as we have helped in the formation of a number of clubs around Thailand. We had our fifth year anniversary in March attended by Pete Mills who is still our webmaster. We’d like to send our congratulations this week to Pete, marooned in California at present, and to one of our sister clubs, The Chiang-Mai Expats Club (CEC) whose new website is just recently launched.

The Venue for our Meetings every Sunday

Why not come along next Sunday morning 10:30am, Breakfast, 11:30am program start; to the Grand Sole Hotel (in the Theppraya Room, up on the Mezzanine level), 370 Pattaya 2nd Road (North), near the Pattaya Mail Office. Hotel tel: 038427555 Fax: 038427550.Located halfway way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend. Go to:

http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm

Membership Cost

Every Sunday from 10:30am you can get PEC Club memberships at only 300 Baht expiring 31 Dec 2007 or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 give advice before or during the meeting.

Weekly Admission Cost

Our Meeting Entry cost, paid at the friendly admission table, pictured on the right, is now set by the Hotel at 80 Baht (Members), 100 Baht (Visitors) per person. The entry tickets also include a voucher for a free breakfast, American or Thai food. Tickets are sold

at the door from 10:30am when hall doors open for seating. The table plan is usually in friendly format tables for eight or ten – so please allow the ‘gaps’

at your table to be filled by new arrivals.

Golf Club of Pattaya Expats Club (PEC)

The PEC Golf Club offers free tuition to members and also stage a Monthly Golf Tournament. For Information on future PEC Golf events is available from Pattaya People Office, Soi Day Night, or the ‘Globetrotter’, just off Soi 7, or of course at PEC Club meetings every Sunday. Alternatively, contact Ossi Viljanen on 018519620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com).

New Time: The very popular Sunday Golf Driving Practice (with free tuition from Ossi Viljanen for PEC members) now runs from 8:30am to 9:30am each Sunday at the usual location on Sukhumvit Road just across from Central Pattaya Road – Pride Driving Range. This is to allow members to attend the PEC new Meeting time on Sundays at 10:30am (program start 11:30). High Handicap players welcome!

Our Sunday Meeting Agenda

10:30 Door Open Breakfast is served

11:10 Announcements

11:30 Meeting Opened by the Meeting Manager.

11:40 Brian Maxey with News & Views, Jokes Too!

12:00 Feature Speaker is handed the floor.

13:00 PEC’s famous ‘Open Forum’ led by Brian Maxey.

14:00 The Member’s Lucky Prize Draw

Open Microphone Forum

Brian Maxey is our formidable M.C. and always in his dual role of MC and our open forum moderator. Members on the floor are keen participants with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya.

Members Weekly Lucky Prize Draw

Lucky Draw prizes are of dinners for two at fine restaurants around the city, another great reason to be a member and to come into the Pattaya Expats Club on Sundays at 10:30am for breakfast or just for the meeting at 1130 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd. We are indebted to the contributors tat donate these prizes.

Information Point Every week our local business information Display annex always has a large selection of leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya. This service is open until the end of the meeting, so members have plenty of time to browse and take-away information of interest to them.

Members Preferences – Speakers & Entertainment

Please tell us what subjects you wish to be presented to you in future meetings by suggesting a competent speaker. There are usually a few ‘Short Notice’ vacancies for ‘Keynote speakers’. Contact Richard Ravensdale our current ‘Feature Speaker’ Manager. Give him your suggestions and let him arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance. Contact: Richard Ravensdale 04 135 7010 pecrichard@yahoo.co.uk

Consular Contacts in Pattaya

Barry Kenyon is the British Embassy local representative for emergencies. His contact is 017827363. Barry can confirm your UK pension for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

Gary Hacker is the US Embassy local representative for emergencies. His contact is 098030388.

Our feature speaker on Sunday 6th August 2006 was

Mrs. Gillian Thom; who is President of Pattaya International Ladies Club.

Our eloquent main speaker this Sunday is Gillian Thom, who is the current President of the Pattaya International Ladies Club. She was born in Calcutta, India in 1957. She worked as a tour guide ending up in Dubai. She and husband Andy emigrated to New Zealand, but now on a Thailand posting. Her theme to the PEC will be the social and welfare aims of PILC, her recent appointment as president, monthly get-togethers, and support network for newcomers, sports and activities clubs and the many hands-on projects undertaken in Pattaya & Rayong areas.

Gillian’s presentation focused upon the founding and development of the Pattaya International Ladies Club from it’s beginning in 1990. The knub of her particular passion for their work in the 21st century is the sponsoring of children in schools and orphanages in Pattaya using realistically sized projects to provide an enjoyable educational experience developing the children’s interest and vocational skills at important life support activities such as cooking.

Gillian was recently interviewed by William Bryan, editor of Pattaya People Weekly, who kindly provided these quotes from his feature article. “A large part of what makes an area unique is the personalities that you find there. One such person who’s given not only personality to our town but considerable time and effort is Gillian Thom. It’s what she has done, where she has been. Life began for Gillian, July 6th 1957 in the city of Calcutta, India. Like those well-traveled busy streets, so goes her life to this day.

The comprehensive school that she was sent to at age 11 in London, soccer superstar, David Beckham would attend the same school, adding just a hint more intrigue. She thrived on the road less traveled, and after school became a tour guide to places like Spain, Greece and Switzerland. At twenty, she hit pay-dirt and hooked-up with the company Kuoni, which specialised in packaged tours. It would provide her with her first experience to Thailand and Pattaya at age 23. “I remember coming to Thailand (the first time) and thinking ‘I’m home.’”

She said that Thailand bared such similarities to her childhood home of Calcutta that it allowed her to feel at ease when others flinched at the some of the vast cultural differences from the west. She came here during Pattaya’s genesis. She met Father Ray, who had just started at the Pattaya Orphanage, and she recalls when there was only one road – Beach Road. But while the shores and comforts of Thailand soothed her childhood memories, the traveler’s heart is a wandering one.

Typical of her character, she not only lived in a castle, [in Scotland] she even began selling them. But Scottish life wasn’t enough for Thom, and she eventually took a position in the Jebel Ali Hotel in Dubai. Dubai would be the place that Thom’s heart was won by an English oil and gas engineer named Andy. In 1999, the two married in New Zealand because “we both just really wanted to visit there…I told Andy that he never took me anywhere,” she said, “he immediately went and got my passport and showed me that in two years we’d been to 13 different countries.”

A year after their move to New Zealand, Andy was called by Rayong oil and gas company and offered a 4 year contract. It’s been two years since, and Gillian being Gillian has adapted to her move by becoming the Pattaya International Ladies Club’s newest President.

Mrs. Thom felt her previous experience in speaking to groups and juggling / coordinating multiple events would be beneficial to the group. In February of this year, she took the position. The adventurer’s spirit is never settled.

Any women interested in contacting or joining the PILC can do so with the following: President Gillian Thom at 0-1762-6003, email: gillianthom@csloxinfo.com.” - William Bryan.

Steve Dickens

Steve Dickens of Liberty Computers on Yorkshire day and Urgent and topical news on major Computer Viruses Steve Dickens of Liberty Computers (and Yorkshire) will be with us on what is ‘Yorkshire Day’ in UK with a dual purpose of celebrating this, and also to give some urgent advice on major computer viruses.

Steve took us though the different alert levels that indicate how much risk there is to IT systems from viruses and ’Trojan Horse’ infection that can redirect a users emails to everyone email address in his address book. Steve went on to explain that although there had been elevated risk reported recently there is no need undue concern because all of the most popular anti-virus packages, including but not limited Norton and McAfee have already the alert level.

Steve continued his presentation with a power-point slide show of scenes of the Yorkshire Dales in England. This slide had been preceded by providing all of the members present with a ‘Yorkshire Pudding’ with onion gravy, a traditional complement to a ‘Roast Dinner’ back home in Yorkshire. And so it was that Steve shared his celebration of ‘Yorkshire Day’ with the members.

Lucky Draw

Our Lucky Draw prizes were of dinners for two at the Premiership and other 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 next Sunday 1130 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.

JR Travel, Jomtien…

For one week only we added a special prize to our Lucky Draw when we announce a free tour to Koh Samet to be won, donated by the popular Jomtien travel agency JR Travel. It is being donated in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday.

Meeting Programme for Sunday 13 August 2006.

This week our M.C. is Richard Ravensdale, Vice President. Richard will also lead our Open Microphone Forum. Please come this Sunday morning, at 2nd Rd’s Grand Sole Hotel and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya!

This week first of a new regular feature on ‘Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand’ hosted by Khun Sombat.

Feature speaker Khun Tong of SOQI hot spa, on a dramatic weight-loss system with a clubhouse demonstration.

News of several needy Banglamung school sponsorships to be awarded by PEC News of a celebrity birthday party you can attend with Pattaya Thai VIPs and movie stars MC is Richard Ravensdale and our new Meeting Manager - Paul Moore

Pattaya Motorcycle Taxi driver and PEC’s own eastern psychologist Khun Sombat is back on stage this week with another episode of both serious and amusing advice for expats in understanding Thai thinking, where east meets west, in both domestic harmony and friction and the cultural ‘head-on’ collision’s are not all road traffic accidents. This week we have asked him to start the first of a regular feature, suggested by our Club President, on advice with the ‘Do’s & Don’ts in Thailand’.

Main feature this week by popular request of expats wanting to shed a few Pounds (in weight) is a presentation of SOQI hot spa a company with a local branch on 2nd Rd, down toward Pattaya Tai from the Marriott Resort. Khun Tong the branch manager, from the Philippines, will give a power-point slide show and demonstrate the ‘Chi’ machine, with willing victims in the audience. When I went to SOQI to book this speaker, carrying a magazine advert supplied by club member ‘Big Ken’ which claimed a loss of 1 to 3 inches off your waistline after the first treatment – I didn’t expect it to happen to me but it did. Me and an American club member were invited to try it out. A rather painful massage later, pummeling liver and kidneys, basted with ginger cream and wrapped in cling film I went under the grill…you’ll have to come Sunday to hear the rest of my story. (But I did lose an inch!).

Khun Tong will describe the Hot House, a product which arches over the body transmitting ‘far infrared rays’ – FIR, the most beneficial rays produced by the sun, thermal heating the target area of treatment. It increases blood and lymphatic flow and removes toxins, says the literature, via vibrations.

The Chi machine which we hope to have onstage gives a passive therapeutic massage – developed by Dr Shizuo Inoue, president of Japan Oxygen Foundation, after 38 years of research. The machine is a foot rest which slowly jiggles the feet, and so moves body organs to and fro sideways. The exercise it provides in 15 minutes use is said to be equivalent to the oxygenation the body gets from a brisk 90 minute walk. The Chi machine is said to provide steady weight correction, more energy, restful sleep, balances the spine, improves immune system etc.

So, a fascinating topic for anyone concerned with their weight and good health.

Charity activity and Events

We will have Club News of education scholarships to be awarded with PEC charity funds to needy Banglamung school children and also...how you can join some Thai movie stars at a celebrity birthday party organised by a former City Council member. Our club members have been invited to mix with high ranking Thai's at a 12 rai estate, which has 'five a side' football pitches and so there will be a team competition featuring England, France, Germany and Ireland, plus a show match with Pattaya VIPs vs. Thai movie stars. Plenty of food and beverages and Guest of Honour will be the City Mayor. Your invite details will be given this Sunday.

Lucky Draw

We also have Lucky Draw prizes of dinners for two at the Premiership and other 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 1130 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd. For one week only we add a special prize to our Lucky Draw when we announce a free tour to Koh Samet to be won, donated by the popular Jomtien travel agency JR Travel. It is being donated in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday.

Come Early and Make New Friends

We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 1130 am, with the optional brunch from about 1030am till after 12 noon. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that cost we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.

Get advice

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 1030 are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club’s greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht expiring 31 Dec 2007 or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos and your card is laminated and ready at the same meeting.)

Gather Information

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 usually 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's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year - as well as a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover are available.

Access Local Business Info

Plus, our large take-away information point with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya is open until the end of the meeting.

Our club is affordable to everyone

Our Meeting Entry cost, now set by the Hotel at 80 Baht, per ticket from 1030 am when hall doors open for seating. The table plan is usually in friendly format with tables for eight or ten people – so please allow the ‘gaps’ to be filled by new arrivals at your table.

Pattaya Expats Club est. 2001 www.pattayaexpatsclub.com

Founder of the ‘Association of Thailand Expats Clubs’

From David Dallimer. Press Officer Tel. Mobile 071 131 1008.

Newsletter from 30 July 2006 Meeting

2006-08-05T13:10:00.000+07:00

Please: If you send a comment to this Blog, and require an answer - Include your email address in the text. Otherwise you will be anonymous.
xxxxx-----xxxxxx-----xxxxxx-------xxxxxx------xxxxxx

Hi, I'm Brian. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC

(info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

30 July 2006 - Meeting Manager:- Richard Ravensdale. (assisted by Paul Moore)

Our main 'Speakers' today was Khun Sombat, our friendly motor-cycle taxi driver, for some more incite into how Thailand 'sees' us.

The second 'Speaker' was our own Richard, who gave us a slide show of some recently completed projects in Nepal. Richard will be returning to Nepal in October to continue the excellent work his UK 'Trek-Aid Charity' performs on an on-going basis. Richard is Chairman of Trustees for this charity.

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--

Does anyone know if a 'new-born baby' can have medical insurance. Email: (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)

Have you experience of a reliable house-painter in Pattaya area. Email: (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)

James Lane (http://www.whatifudo.com), called to thank us for the great response to his short lecture on the recent problems of 'Land Ownership in Thailand'. He has been able to help many of the enquiries. James can also help with the many simple problems experienced when trying to open a Thai Bank Account. James is at: 013987346 (james@whatifudo.com).

A request was made for the AA Insurance (a PEC Sponsor) contact details: 434/37 Building A, View Talay Condo 2, Jomtien, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. Office: 038 250 089, Fax: 038 303 072, Email: info@aainsure.net, HOTLINE 06 508 6210, Other companies within their group: AA Condo Email: info@aacondo.com, Watermark Capital Management Email: info@wcmlimited.com, AA Law Email: info@aalaw.org (they also have an office in Pattaya Central Road, just east of Carrefour, on the other side of the road).

Please tell us if you have found a good 'Health-Food' store in Pattaya. Email: (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)

Tommy of 'Super Consultants' (a PEC Sponsor) has a store in Tuk-Com Centre (the computer mall in South Pattaya Road) selling a range of electronic items. It's on the 2nd floor. 016220128 (http://www.pattayasuper.com). Tommy also told us that his 'sponsorship' of PEC will be expiring soon. His seven-day-a-week work habit is causing some domestic upheaval, he will not be renewing. Niels thanked him for his excellent attendance record, and tremendous input into our meeting content. He will be missed.

Thai language classes can be found at North Star Library on Sukhumvit Rd. Monday and Thursday mornings from 10.15am. Around 100 baht per day. The first hour is taken by the English teacher from the school next door and the second hour is conversation practice taken by a Thai lady who speaks no English. Call 038716755. - Alternatively Khun Choo teaches Thai or English on a one-to-one basis. 017533612. - Another option is via the Internet, Teachthai has been developed for the Thai Ministry of Education for Special Target Groups by Progress Information, a company in the Loxley group. The course is aimed at Thai youngsters overseas and other interested foreigners. (http://www.teachthai.com).

British Embassy local representative for emergencies is Barry Kenyon. Contact 017827363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes if you can show proof.

Gary Hacker is the US Embassy local representative for emergencies. Contact 098030388.

Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies from August onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Richard our current Speakers Manager. Give him your suggestions and let him arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Contact: Richard Ravensdale 010 016 372 (pecrichard@yahoo.co.uk).

The PEC golf group's Monthly Golf Tournament for August is being planned. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 018519620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment. If you need to rent a Golf Cart call Ossi soon.

New Time: The Sunday Golf Driving Practice (with free tuition from Ossi Viljanen for PEC members) now runs from 0830 (8:30am) to 0930 (9:30am) at the usual location on Sukhumvit Road just across from Central Pattaya Road - Pride Driving Range. This is to allow members to attend the PEC new Meeting time of Sundays at 10:30am (program start 11:30). High Handicap players welcome!

The German Speaking Group of the Pattaya Expats Club also hold their meetings on a Sunday at 9:30am. They usually meet adjacent to the International Meeting, on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month. Next meetings are 6 & 20 August. Contact Erwin Schlottmann, 061509478, email: (erwinschlottmann@gmail.com)

Für Anfragen, Anregungen und Kritiken, wenden sie sich bitte an unseren - Erwin Schlottmann.

Tue-08-Aug-06 THE VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA - 2nd Tuesday of the month 1800. Cost 99 baht. For further information call: Niels Colov: 01-8154580

Sat-12-Aug-06 Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Birthday (a national holiday is declared for Monday 14th)

Mon-28-Aug-06 UK Bank Holls 2006

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: 038427555 Fax: 038427550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.

For location - link to: http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)

See you soon, MC, Brian.

Pattaya Expats Club Meeting planned for July 30, 2006

2006-07-28T01:38:00.000+07:00

Our planned Club Programme for Sunday, July 30, 2006
This week WIN A TOUR TO KOH SAMET !
Big screen Himalayan photos from Nepal
Thai cultural psychologist / motor bike taxi driver Khun Sombat
& an Original Thai Leonardo da Vinci.

LOCATION CHANGE - FOR THIS WEEKS PEC MEETING WE WILL BE UP IN THE 2ND FLOOR FUNCTION ROOM.

It may be 'low season' in Thailand now but its high attendance for Pattaya's original expats advice forum, the Pattaya Expats Club, with last Sunday seeing over 200 attending at Grand Sole hotel. 146 ticket holders, plus a dozen maroon jacket volunteers upstairs plus another 64 ticket holders in our German language section downstairs.

This coming Sunday at the Pattaya Expats Club we add a special prize to our Lucky Draw when we announce a free tour to Koh samet to be won, donated by the popular Jomtien travel agency JR Travel. It is being donated in honour of Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday.

Our in-house Thai psychologist Khun Sombat has accepted an invitation to take time off his usual morning motor bike taxi assignments, to enlighten us again with good advice on aspects of Thai thinking.

I also have an unscheduled contribution to make by way of a talk supported by a newly 'designed' powerpoint digital slide show on the Nepal Himalaya's created for me by Andrew McCarroll this month. Our proposed main speaker this week has had to cancel her appearance for a family trip and was to cover her Asian life story and an aidproject called 'Fatima Centre'. I will 'fill in' the gap with some colourful visuals set in Tibet and Nepal about a couple of small scale Himalayan construction projects completed this spring, in between breaks in the political 'revolution' a half day drive from Buddha's birthplace. Anyone thinking of travelling to now politically peaceful Nepal can ask travel advice. I led mountain treks and cultural tours to Nepal & Tibet as a British tour company owner for 30 years before taking on tourism industry jobs in Thailand.

See an original Thai Leonardo da Vinci ...Mona Lisa's smile on stage in the Land of Smiles this week, as we present an 'old master' to this weeks 'birthday boy' our Club President Niels Colov. (Leonardo is his favourite artist.)

We have Lucky Draw prizes of dinners for two at the Premiership and other 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 1130 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.

We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 1130 am, with the optional brunch from about 1030am till after 12 noon. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that cost we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 1030 are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 300 Baht expiring 31 Dec 2007 or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos 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 usually 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's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year - as well as a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover are available.

Khun Tomdee often has Thai lawyers present from his SuperConsultants company at your service with knowledgeable law advice and a range of other services including tours and travel and border runs. Plus, our large take-away information point with leaflets and publications from hundreds of member to member services available in Pattaya is open until the end of the meeting.

Our Meeting Entry cost, now set by the Hotel at 80 Baht, are sold as tickets from 1030 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.

This week Brian Maxey is your M.C. and he will lead our Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in this Sunday morning, at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !

Richard Ravensdale, Vice President

PEC Meeting Minutes of July 23, 2006

2006-07-26T00:54:00.000+07:00

Hi, I'm Brian Maxey. MC at the Sunday meetings of PEC
(info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

23 July 2006 – Meeting Manager:- Richard Ravensdale.

Please Note: Our next Sunday Meeting (30 July) will be held in the upper function room, the floor above the usual one – one week only.
Richard has identified another protégé in the ongoing series of ‘Deputy Meeting Manager’. Richard has a very busy ‘life’ outside of Thailand, which means he often needs to be away, sometimes for a few months. The new apprentice is Paul Moore. His solo debut will be in August.

Our main ‘Speakers’ today were Philip O’Shea (http://www.ihc.co.th), and Tony Valin (http://www.iag.co.th), both able to satisfy the need for Medical Insurance for over 65s. they tell us that three people from PEC would qualify as a ‘group’ and obtain favourable advantages. For quotes contact Phil at: 026502759 – 058219646 – email: (phil@ihc,co.th).

James Lane (http://www.whatifudo.com), spoke about the current uncertainty of the ‘Foreign Land Act’ here in Thailand. He readily admits to knowing no more than the rest of us, as far as the outcome is concerned, but had a few suggestions as to ensuring that your current position is safe from a ‘legal’ standpoint. He has connected with a ‘Financial Services Operations’ company, who will vet your current situation (i.e. documents, letters, deeds, etc), and recommend if you need to modify your position with YOUR OWN Lawyer – this service is free of charge! He reiterated the important point of making a WILL under Thai Law. James can also help with the many simple problems experienced when trying to open a Thai Bank Account. James is at: 013987346 (james@whatifudo.com).

Open forum questions & information arising from the Meeting:--

One of our many well educated members (David) spoke of a legal tool, similar to a lease contract, where you can derive benefit from something without owning it. Here is his definition: Usufruct Interest (Sidhi-kep-kin) - gives you temporary ownership rights to things on or arising from the land. In practice, a usufruct is limited to a 30-year maximum period; like leases, the agreement can be successively renewed. In contrast to a lease, a usufructury interest can be sold or transferred, although it expires upon the death of the holder of the usufruct and therefore cannot be inherited.

I looked it up in Wikipedia, the free online encyclopaedia. It says: USUFRUCT is the legal right to use and derive profit from property that belongs to another person, as long as the property is not damaged. In many legal systems of property, buyers of property may only purchase the usufruct of the property.

The holder of a usufruct, known as the usufructuary, has the right to use and enjoy the property, as well as the right to receive profits from the fruits of the property. The term fruits should be understood to mean any replenishable commodity on the property, including (among others) actual fruits, livestock, and even rental payments derived from the property. It is suggested as a legal way of using land & house for a limited time, at no cost, without the owner having the right to cancel the agreement.

I have twice visited the meetings of the ‘help’ group using the acronym ‘buddie’ (they were our ‘Speakers’ 9 July). Lynda Crone (US), Roisin & Andrew (N.Ireland) moderate group discussions about – well, almost anything. A different subject is collectively chosen each week for the following week. It’s very relaxed and ‘low-key’, and often entertaining. They meet at The Redemtorist Centre, Sukhumvit Road (km 145) just north of the turn from the top of Central Pattaya Road each Wednesday evening at 7:00pm. Their aim is to help foreigners to settle into the local community by discussing those ‘new’ elements found in Thai life. Ask questions, discuss issues, develop new contacts, and realise that a problem is not necessarily yours alone. For more info call Andrew 097544093. Why not give it a try.
Derrick McCarrick, otherwise known as ‘Roger the Rabbit’, announced his Marathon run has so far raised 150,000 baht through sponsorship for Ban Jing Jai Children’s Home. Well done Derrick!

Someone asked a question about ‘Hearing Aid’ batteries. The Bangkok Pattaya Hospital has a comprehensive Audio Department that checks devices, sells batteries, and checks hearing (open Monday & Friday). Useful websites for cross-reference charts of battery numbers are:
(http://www.rayovac.com/hearing/cr_hearingAid.htm)
(http://www.hearingusa.com/batterysize.htm)
Watch & Calculator battery cross-reference charts can be viewed at:
(http://www.kassoy.com/watch05.html)
(http://www.sirrobin.com/convertbat.html)
(http://www.butkus.org/chinon/duracell_battery.htm)

Please tell us if you have found a good ‘Health-Food’ store in Pattaya.

Tommy of ‘Super Consultants’ (a PEC Sponsor) has opened a store in Tuk-Com Centre (the computer mall in South Pattaya Road) selling a range of electronic items. It is on the 2nd floor. 016220128 (http://www.pattayasuper.com).

Thai language is taught either in a small class or one-on-one. North Star Library on Sukhumvit Rd runs group Thai lessons for farangs. Monday and Thursday mornings from 10.15am till about 12.30. The cost is 100 baht per day for non library members and 50 baht for members. The first hour is taken by the English teacher from the school next door and the second hour is conversation practice taken by a Thai lady who speaks no English. Its difficult but fun! Call 038716755. - Alternatively Khun Choo teaches Thai or English on a one-to-one basis. 017533612

Tony Waltham writes in the Bangkok Post: When learning Thai, it is best to master the alphabet and how to read and to write it. This helps learners to understand a little better how the tones work and to be able to read posters, road signs and menus (at the very least), while the subliminal reinforcement from understanding Thai text certainly helps as well. Going one-on-one with a good teacher is always best, which allows both teacher and student to move at the same pace, but there is another way: the e-learning approach. Computers (and the Internet) are infinitely patient and another big advantage with our site of the week today is that it is free. Teachthai has been developed for the Ministry of Education's Non-Formal Education Promotion Center for Special Target Groups by Progress Information, a company in the Loxley group. The course is aimed at Thai youngsters overseas and other interested foreigners, with learners expected "to learn the Thai consonants, vowels, tone marks and numbers, both in pronunciation and writing practice" and "to learn how Thai words are constructed and also to learn their meaning and usage".
(http://www.teachthai.com).

What do you do to prepare for your Death in Pattaya? A question you may not want to think of, but one we are often asked. Write a letter stating your wishes as to your ‘remains’, the contact details of any ‘Home Country’ family you wish to be notified, the source of enough funds to carry out your wishes, and get it witnessed by two independent people (not family members). OR, include these details in a Will made under Thai Law. You should state whether you wish your body to be repatriated to another country, or given a local traditional funeral. Remember, repatriation will be expensive, and if you do not state your wishes the British Embassy will ask your ‘Next of Kin’ to decide, and pay for the funeral.

Incidentally most Embassies have a ‘registration’ process which asks for your details here in Thailand, and your ‘Home Country’. A very good idea. Visit your Embassy’s website for further information.

Barry Kenyon is the British Embassy local representative for emergencies. His contact is 017827363. Barry can authenticate your UK pension for Immigration purposes if you can show proof. UK bank statements can be dealt with similarly.
Gary Hacker is the US Embassy local representative for emergencies. His contact is 098030388.

Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting ‘Speakers’ for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies from August onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Richard our current Speakers Manager. Give him your suggestions and let him arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.
Contact: Richard Ravensdale 04 135 7010 (pecrichard@yahoo.co.uk).

The PEC golf group’s Monthly Golf Tournament for August is being planned. More info on this event is available from Pattaya People Office (Soi Day Night), Globetrotter (just off Soi 7), and of course PEC Club meetings on Sunday, or contact Ossi Viljanen on 018519620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com). These events are popular and fill up quickly, so sign-up early to avoid disappointment. If you need to rent a Golf Cart call Ossi soon.

New Time: The Sunday Golf Driving Practice (with free tuition from Ossi Viljanen for PEC members) now runs from 0830 (8:30am) to 0930 (9:30am) at the usual location on Sukhumvit Road just across from Central Pattaya Road – Pride Driving Range. This is to allow members to attend the PEC new Meeting time of Sundays at 10:30am (program start 11:30). High Handicap players welcome!

The German Speaking Group of the Pattaya Expats Club also hold their meetings on a Sunday at 9:30am. They usually meet adjacent to the International Meeting, on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month. Next meetings are 6 & 20 August. Contact Erwin Schlottmann, 061509478, email: (erwinschlottmann@gmail.com)
Für Anfragen, Anregungen und Kritiken, wenden sie sich bitte an unseren - Erwin Schlottmann.

Fri-28-Jul-06 HRH Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (2) (eldest son of King of Thailand) 1952

Tue-08-Aug-06 THE VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA - 2nd Tuesday of the month 1800. Cost 99 baht. For further information call: Niels Colov: 01-8154580

Sat-12-Aug-06 Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Birthday (a national holiday is declared for Monday 14th)

Mon-28-Aug-06 UK Bank Holiday 2006

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: 038427555 Fax: 038427550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.
For location - link to: http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)

See you soon, MC, Brian.

Earning a regular income while enjoying life in Pattaya

2005-12-15T16:41:00.000+07:00

If you can write good English, own a computer and live in Pattaya (or would like to)and can work 30 to 40 hours a month, an American company will pay you a regular income to write original 400 word articles.

MY COMMERCIAL INTEREST IN THIS IS PURELY AS AN ARTICLE WRITER MYSELF. HOWEVER, I NEED TO PUT A TEAM OF AT LEAST 20 TOGETHER TO MAKE IT VIABLE FOR THE COMPANY TO WORK WITH US IN THAILAND. THIS HAS NO CONNECTION WITH THE PATTAYA EXPATS CLUB EXCEPT THAT I GET SEVERAL EMAILS EACH WEEK FROM EXPATS OR WOULD BE EXPATS ASKING ABOUT INCOME SOURCES WHILE LIVING IN PATTAYA.

I completed a web site for a Company in the States recently (www.linkacquire.com) and an opportunity has come up through them that would earn expats here a regular monthly income.

The US Company provides a linking service for US based websites to help them get good positioning in the Search Engines and increase their traffic. They have more work than they can handle and have had good success in placing the work offshore, initially in India and now, hopefully in Thailand. In India they have a good proportion of the native population that is fluent in English, and in Thailand we have a good population of English speaking expats that perhaps would like the opportunity of earning $1,000 a month.

There is nothing to pay to start working on this, the money is regular and the work is routine requiring a computer, good writing skills and the ability to put about 30 to 40 hours a month into each project. If preferred, you can select smaller projects - less articles, less time, less income). It IS a requirement however that you keep to an agreed schedule because the USA company has commitments to their clients.
Here’s how it works:

For each expat, Link Acquire would provide regular projects listing up to 64 web addresses (these are their customers) on a wide variety of subjects. The expat would then write one 400 word article for each of these websites, on the subject matter of that website. For instance, for a website www.books.com the article could be on any subject even loosely associated with books – say antique books. The articles must be in the words of the expat but it is easy to search for relevant articles on the internet, digest them and then write a similar article in your own words. I have been experimenting this week and each article takes me 30 minutes which I’m sure will come down with experience.

Here is a link to an example of one of my articles, already posted to one of the 15 article sites. Note that authorship of the article is assigned to the US Company.
http://www.a1articles.com/article.php?aid=18596&cat=19

Anyway, once the articles are written, they are posted on article directories on the web (URL, user name and password provided) – each article to 15 directories, with a link in each article back to the original website. In this way, Link Acquire provides relevant one way links to their customer sites and the expat is paid $1,000 for a project of this size.

I will provide training (just half an hour) to everyone interested – and I can be reached at webhits2000@yahoo.com

MCs meeting report 26 Nov 2005

2005-11-29T08:34:00.000+07:00

The MC newsletter for 26 November 2002 meeting - A great, very laid-back meeting. Richard returned from his busy life in Nepal, for a much needed R&R. He is indeed welcome back in the PEC family.

I went to the 'circus' last week. Both my wife & son saw it for the very first time. She was awed, but he seemed slightly bored by most of it. I remembered back to my young days of circus visits, and how I had loved the experience. I suppose these days the 'special effects' of both movies & cartoons leaves the actual skills involved in a 'high wire' act as pretty mundane. What a shame, another small piece of 'innocence' gone forever!

We're rapidly heading into the 'festive season'. It is planned for the 24 December meeting to be more of a members party theme. We spend the year planning your entertainment - why not get together and entertain us for a change. Come with your ideas next Saturday & see the 'Managers'. We need you! Also, please bring a 'gift' with you on Saturday, wrap it, label it 'Boy" or 'Girl', and drop it in the box in the foyer. Please, please we need your help!!

More 'first-time' attendees this week. One couple were delighted to receive advice on Condo purchase. They may have been about to fall into a money-transfer 'trap'. Their 'agent' had suggested they transfer the purchase funds into his bank account, thus failing to obtain the necessary 'funds from abroad' authority. I hope they all enjoyed their experience with us & will return, with a friend. They are indeed very welcome.

The 'raffle' of a house in Phuket is a slow progress as we are looking at the legal ramifications of such a process. There is the question of 'foreign ownership' regarding the winner. More news should be forthcoming at a near future date. Watch this space.

You have until the end of December 2005 to register your Thai 'pre-paid' mobile phone SIM-card. After this date an unregistered SIM may not work. Details are at our website:
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonetips.htm

House-rental available now. The owner is just an expat 'friend' who asked me to promote this. A two-storey 'town house', 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large lounge, 'western style' kitchen, front patio, private road access, easy parking for a large vehicle. 12,000 baht per month for a 1 year contract. In the city of Pattaya, quite near 3rd Road. Contact MC, Brian.

Derrick 'the balloon' spent a lot of time & effort fashioning neck supports for our 'radio' microphones. We didn't use them on Saturday as there was some concern over frying of the brain by electromagnetic waves. We have passed them on to the 'bomb squad' for evaluation, and if they are passed as fit for humans (or at least your Production team) they will get an airing soon. Don't give up Derrick.

Open forum questions & information arising from Saturday:--

'Red' number plates on a vehicle impose restrictions of use. Remember your vehicle is not yet registered for road use. The application of 'red plates' is to allow limited use of the vehicle - LOCALLY. Two rules apply: you cannot drive the vehicle out of the local registration area - and you cannot drive it between 1800 (6:00pm) and 0600 (6:00am). Members report many instances of Police intervention - and fines. Also some people spoke of 'red plates' being found to be bogus (counterfeit) - further Police action. Apparently there is a way of signalling your intent to travel out of area (a one-off arrangement), and getting permission - more later.

This week I think we had 12 'door prizes'. I don't just mean 'trinkets', I mean grand prizes such as 'dinner for two' at various restaurants, and free 'tailored' outfits. It's a 'Members Only' draw, so you'll need two photos (2.5cm x 2.5cm) to join.

A member said he had not received a discount from PIH (Pattaya International Hospital) when he last visited. PIH have not signed up as 'discount givers', they are a 'sponsor' of the club at the meeting offering free information & 'blood tests'. However we will approach them to see what can be arranged.

Those members interested in improving (or discovering) a 'Golf Swing', should contact our Head Pro Ossi Viljanen. He gives 'free' lessons to members on a Sunday. 018519620, (ossigolf@yahoo.com).
Next Golf Tournement 20th December - sign up at the meeting soon.

To obtain a copy of the great book of Farang guidance to living in Thailand by Khun Ponthep Werachon (Lawyer), constantly updated, 200 baht. Contact 014234255, office 038300967, (http://www.werachonlaw.com), Thepprasit Road.

The new 2-year temporary PEC membership card expires 31 December 2007 - price 300 baht. Don't wait until current expiration to renew - please come early & help the transition - AND - life begins at PEC, just 600 baht.

The PEC shop is open at the meeting each Saturday. Club logo 'Polo Shirts' (various sizes) red or black, 'T-shirts' & 'Base Ball Caps' (adjustable) red or dark blue. Members wearing a 'Club Polo Shirt' will get special attention.

Our 'Meeting Manager' Stephen Wilson was away sick this week. Hurry back Steve, Al & Richard missed you.

If you know of an individual, or a company, that you would like to see as 'speaker of the week' contact Denis Laurin. I have heard the comment "why do we have the same old subjects over and over", well, a first class opportunity for you to help change that. Give Denis your suggestions and let him arrange something with them. Please do not fix dates without contacting Denis first. (djlauri@loxinfo.co.th).

Try our website's new 'search' facility - find that illusive article easily.
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com

The increasingly popular German Speaking group is now so big it meets prior to the International Group, downstairs in the restaurant terrace area, on the 1st & 3rd Saturday in the month (3rd & 17th December), 10:30 am. email address: (pattayaexpatsclub@web.de)
The International Group meeting is every Saturday, upstairs on the Mezzanine Level, at the Grand Solé Hotel, 2nd Road. 11:00 am. One yellow ticket allows entry to both meetings

In keeping with Thai Law, there is NO SMOKING allowed anywhere in the Auditorium or Foyer, or the downstairs meeting area, but two outside terraces are available. Private conversations, and telephone calls are best in the Foyer, where you will find all our Sponsors.

We always have to cut short the 'Open Forum' Q&A segment of our meetings, no matter how early we start. Come and join in, it's great fun!

Please dress appropriately for the hotel setting. As is often said - a tuxedo is not required, but a sleeveless vest is unacceptable. Our meeting is frequently attended by Thais, and Thai culture is governed by respect. The young respect the elderly, because the elderly respect the young. The way you dress tells people how you respect yourself. You will be refused entry if inappropriately dressed.
Low cost polo-shirts with our club logo on are on sale in the foyer.

Why not come along next Saturday 11:00am (1130 program start) at the Grand Solé Hotel, 2nd Road, between Central Road & North Road - introduce a friend - 'free parking' - bring pen & paper.

See you soon, The MC.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER
The Club's aim is to gather information from long-term Expats of their experiences of living here in Thailand. If you would like to ask us for information, please remember that information is gained from those actual experiences. We are not connected with any Official Regulatory Body.
The various 'RULES' regarding Visas, Health Insurance, Property Ownership, Driving & Vehicle Ownership, Marriage, Divorce, Wills, Business Enterprise, etc., are widely available from many official sources (e.g. Embassies, Immigration Offices, Government internet websites). The strongest message from our members is that interpretation of these 'rules' into 'English' can vary when applied by different offices.
Please be aware that if you are involved in any illegal activity in Thailand, we can NOT advise you how to evade the consequences. To do so would be considered a criminal act, "conspiracy to pervert the course of justice".

Pattaya Expats Club website:-
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com
email: info@pattayaexpatsclub.com

Links within our website:-
Driving Tips link - http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/drivinginthailand.htm

Visa Tips link - http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/visainformation.htm

Telephone Tips link - http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonetips.htm

Newsletter link - http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/currentnewsletter.htm

Q&A Forum - http://s8.invisionfree.com/expats/index.php?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thailand Immigration website:-
http://www.imm.police.go.th (For Email - imm@police.go.th)

Pattaya Immigration website:-
http://www.pattaya-immigration.com

90 day address confirmation:-
http://www.thaiimmigration.com/inv/index.php?showtopic=4

T.M.47 form for a visa extension:-
http://www.thaiimmigration.com/apf/TM47.doc

Phuket Provincial Employment Office - for Work-Permit advice:-
http://www.phuketwork.org/english/index.html

Thai Consulate (UK) website with good visa information:
http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com

Immigration Bureau Headquarters, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120 Tel. 02.287.3117

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital price list

2005-11-17T12:18:00.000+07:00

If you would like a relatively complete list of all of the medical procedures and services available at the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, dental, cosmetic, hearing, eye and general or elective surgery, including prices, you can find it at:

http://www.medicaltourisminthailand.com/BPH Prices.xls

And for complete details on all of the cosmetic surgery options available, for both men and women, check out:

www.healthcare-holidays.com/cosmeticsurgeryformen.pdf (for men)
www.healthcare-holidays.com/cosmeticsurgeryforwomen.pdf (for women)
www.healthcare-holidays.com/CosmeticSurgeryPackageClientPrices.xls (for all)

Meeting Report Pattaya Expats Club 12 November

2005-11-16T13:47:00.000+07:00

Hi, I'm Brian Maxey (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

Here is the report from the 12 November meeting - Good to be back, although I wasn't sure if the voice would last out the meeting. It did later fail, but was back the next day. We had some unexpected guests again in the shape of two acts from the Circus. About half the audience has seen the Circus show, and more expect to attend before it's closure on 27 November.
The webmaster reported a temporary glitch in his ability to upload to the website. It should be all resolved this week.

You have until the end of December 2005 to register your Thai 'pre-paid' mobile phone SIM-card. The suggestion is that after this date an unregistered SIM will not work, and will need to be replaced. Basically go to a phone shop, show them your phone, ask them where can you register it, and hopefully you will know.
I took my wife to register our phones to a D-tac office in Big C south Pattaya. They opened the phones, recorded the SIM numbers, asked for her ID, & my Passport (a Thai drivers licence will do), entered the details on a D-tac computer, and said "Thank You for Registering". It felt a lot more authentic than my previous attempt. Just goes to show - when you take a Thai person with you - it flows easily.
For sure, Telewiz in IT City (TukCom) WILL register 1-2-call networks. The big supermarkets all have various mobile phone offices. Orange is in Royal Garden Plaza, ground floor, Beach Rd., entrance.

Getting a visa extension can be a frustrating affair. Getting all the paperwork together, waiting in line for an Immigration Officer. On the other hand, sometimes, it all goes smoothly. It did for me recently. Read about my success on the 'visa page' of our website.
(http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com)

I know of a house-rental now available. The owner is just an expat 'friend' who asked me to promote this. A two-storey 'town house', 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large lounge, 'western style' kitchen, front patio, private road access, easy parking for a large vehicle. 10,000 per month for a 1 year contract. In the city of Pattaya, quite near 3rd Road. Contact Brian.

Open forum questions & information arising from Saturday:--

A member reported that the 'PEC Club - Group Insurance Policy' offered by one of our sponsors, AA Insurance Brokerage, has performed admirably when needed recently for a BPH admittance. The bills were settled to his satisfaction. Unfortunately the 'guaranteed' cover ceases after age 65, but individual quotes may still be offered beyond that age. This is the first report we have had of anyone using this product, and it behaved well. If you have used it, or any other Insurance product, tell us about it.

A 'first-hand' experience of a medical procedure at the 'Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital Sattahip came from a member this week. Very good general care level. Excellent pre-consultation, medical procedure, and after-care standard. And a 'bottom-line price' that brought a smile of satisfaction. The hospital is very near 'U Tapao airport'. There are quite a few 'good standard' hospitals in the Chonburi area that are well suited for those everyday 'planned procedures'.

A member has developed a skin problem, and suspects Biological type washing powder used at a local laundry. Is non-bio washing powder available, and how is it designated in Thai? Email: (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)

Christopher Moore, the Canadian writer, has confirmed for Saturday 19th November (this coming week-end) - he will review his writing life, his many books, and give an opportunity to autograph copies that you bring with you.
Moore once taught law at the University of British Columbia. After his first book 'His Lordship's Arsenal' was published in New York to critical acclaim in 1985, Moore became a full-time writer and has so far written 16 novels and one collection of interlocked short stories. He has attained somewhat of a cult status among his readers in Asia and Europe and has an increasingly strong following in North America. Moore is probably best known by his cult classics, Land of Smiles Trilogy, his behind-the-smiles study of his adopted country, Thailand, and his highly popular Vincent Calvino Private Eye series.
His books will be available in limited numbers at the meeting - Saturday 19th November PEC

This year's trip to Surin to watch the elephant shows will be a 3 day event. If you have signed up, meet at Pattaya People Offices in Day Night Hotel Soi, South Pattaya Road, 0800 Saturday 19 November (this coming week-end).

A reminder that the next golf tournament is Tuesday 22 November at the Plutaluang Navy Golf Course, at Sattahip. - contact Head Pro Ossi Viljanen at 018519620, (ossiviljanen@hotmail.com), (ossigolf@yahoo.com) or sign-up for future events at the PEC meetings.

There are now often a selection of Lawyers available for your queries at the Club meeting on Saturday. Khun Ponthep Werachon (Lawyer) still offers his great farang handbook, constantly updated, 200 baht. Contact 014234255, office 038300967, (http://www.werachonlaw.com)

The new 2-year temporary PEC membership card is available at the meeting - price 300 baht - to expire 31 December 2007. The membership team would be delighted if you would NOT wait until January for your new card - please come early & help the transition - and - life begins at PEC, just 600 baht.

The PEC shop is open at the meeting each Saturday. A range of 'Polo Shirts' (various sizes) red or black, 'T-shirts' & 'Base Ball Caps' (adjustable) red or dark blue. Many shirts can be seen around the room, worn by members.

Our 'Meeting Managers' (Stephen Wilson and Albert Biagini are normally available at each meeting to take your questions, comments, suggestions or offers of help - as are any of the Production Team in the maroon jackets. Please offer your services, and 'volunteer' to assist our Club in some way. You could join the 'Production Team' of dedicated volunteers, who do the 'hard work' on a Saturday, or help out in the background with the paperwork during the week, or assist with the Charity side of things. This is Pattaya - "up to you". Contact the 'Meeting Managers' or any of the Production Team. There is much to do to ensure a worthwhile Club.

Denis Laurin would like your input to assist him in finding worthwhile 'speakers' to come to the meeting and entertain and inform you. I have heard the comment "why do we have the same old subjects over and over". A first class opportunity exists for you to help to change that. Give Denis your suggestions of a speaker, and let him arrange something with them. Please contact Denis (djlauri@loxinfo.co.th). Please do not fix dates without contacting Denis first.

This Newsletter can be sent to you individually, registration is on the website about two thirds the way down the 'home page'. Please remember to reply to the first email to 'confirm' your acceptance. It can also be read on the website: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/currentnewsletter.htm). Try the website's new 'search' facility - find that illusive article easily.

This newsletter also appears on our 'Blog' Site each week, along with some of the articles from the website. The advantage of the 'Blog' is, you get an opportunity to add comments that find their way directly back to the webmaster.
http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com

The Club's 'Chat Forum' link is an excellent place to 'talk' to people worldwide about anything you want to know or say. A simple Q&A site - try it. You will need to set up a username & password the first time you visit:
http://s8.invisionfree.com/expats/index.php?

The increasingly popular German Language group now meet prior to the International Group, downstairs in the restaurant terrace area, on the 1st & 3rd Saturday in the month (19th November, 3rd & 17th December), 10:30 am. email address: (pattayaexpatsclub@web.de)
The International Group meeting is every Saturday, upstairs on the Mezzanine Level, at the Grand Solé Hotel, 2nd Road. 11:00 am. One yellow ticket allows entry to both meetings

We regret there is NO SMOKING allowed anywhere in the Auditorium or Foyer, or the downstairs meeting area, but two outside terraces are available. Private conversations, and telephone calls are best in the Foyer, where you will find all our Sponsors.

We always have to cut short the 'Open Forum' Q&A segment of our meetings, no matter how early we start. Come and join in, it's great fun!

Keep the emails coming, or drop a 'suggestion' in the box outside in the 'foyer'. Tell us what you think of our club & it's many aspects - it's your club - always happy to know someone's listening. If you don't tell us - we don't know!

Please, please dress appropriately for the hotel setting. As is often said - a tuxedo is not required, but a sleeveless vest is unacceptable. Our meeting is frequently attended by Thais, and Thai life is governed by respect. The young respect the elderly, because the elderly respect the young. The way you dress tells people how you respect yourself. You will be refused entry if inappropriately dressed.
Low cost polo-shirts with our club logo on are on sale in the foyer.

Please retain the large part of your yellow Saturday Meeting entry ticket as proof of entry & verification for the Lucky Draw Winner to claim the prize (you'll need to show your membership card too). Remember this draw is for Members Only - you can join on the day if you remember to bring two small photos (25 x 25mm).

Wed-16-Nov-05 Loy Krathong
Fri-18-Nov-05 Mickey Mouse official birthday
Sat-19-Nov-05 Christopher Moore, PEC
Sat-19-Nov-05 Surin elephant trip
Sat-19-Nov-05 Earliest sundown Pattaya at 1747
Tue-22-Nov-05 PEC golf tournament
Thu-24-Nov-05 Thanksgiving Day (US)
Fri-25-Nov-05 Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Somnuk Changate birthday
Sat-26-Nov-05 Tupperware b'day - launched 1949
Mon-05-Dec-05 Many schools have events for 'Father's Day'
Mon-05-Dec-05 His Majesty the King of Thailand, 78th Birthday (1927)
Sat-10-Dec-05 Constitution Day Thailand.
Mon-12-Dec-05 Government Offices will be closed.
Tue-13-Dec-05 THE VEGETARIAN CLUB OF Pattaya
Sat-17-Dec-05 Wright Flyer @ Kitty Hawk NC 10:35 am 1903, flew 12 secs @ 120ft
Tue-20-Dec-05 Beach Rd shrine opp Soi 4 (Chao Po Ket-gnam) Celebration.
Wed-21-Dec-05 Shortest day (Pattaya 11hrs 22 mins)
Sun-25-Dec-05 Christmas Day,
Sun-01-Jan-06 New Year's Day
Mon-02-Jan-06 Substitute holiday for New Year's Day
Sun-08-Jan-06 Children’s Day Thailand
Mon-16-Jan-06 Teacher’s Day, Thailand
Wed-25-Jan-06 Latest time for sunrise in Pattaya in the year
Thu-26-Jan-06 Australia Day
Sun-29-Jan-06 Chinese NY day - Year of the DOG

Why not come along next Saturday 11:00am (1130 program start) at the Grand Solé Hotel, 2nd Road, between Central Road & North Road - introduce a friend - 'free parking' - bring pen & paper.

See you soon, MC, Brian.

Getting a Retirement Visa

2005-11-07T06:55:00.000+07:00

Upgrading/Extending a Non-Immigrant 'O' visa to a 'Retirement Visa' here in Pattaya

Getting a visa extension can be a frustrating affair. Getting the application form, filling it out, providing the photocopies & photos & bank letter & clinic letter - have I forgotten anything? Oh yes, 1900 baht.
On the other hand, sometimes, it all goes smoothly. It did for me recently.

I arrived with a 'single entry Non-O visa' obtained from a Consulate in the UK. About 77 days later I did this:-

Day-1. I visited my bank, and arranged to pick up the letter the following day - 200 baht. I visited the Loma Clinic on Naklua Road, had a cursory chat to a Dr, had my vitals taken - 100 baht (and they registered me as a patient). I visited Soi 8, picked up an application form TM7 (they insisted I didn't need two), and asked if anything had changed in the rules in the last month (it hadn't).
Day-2. I picked up the bank letter, noticed the wrong date & got it re-written (they wrote September, not October - do look!). Got 3 photo-copies of almost everything - 20 baht. Visited Soi 8, and left 45mins later with a 1 year extension to my non-immigrant-O visa - 1900 baht.
I also registered for the '90-day' stamp at the same time - next visit 90 days later.
I took all the 'house papers', but was never asked for them. I was asked how long I had lived at my address. I was asked to name my parents, and state my previous occupation, and salary in baht.
The 'One-Stop' service system is certainly a vast improvement on the 'old one'. I visited 4 different desks as part of the process. Very efficient. The staff were relaxed, amiable, and chatty - but business-like.
Before I left I picked up form TM8 (re-entry permit), and form TM47 (90-day reporting ready for later.

And before you ask, NO, they didn't recognize me - just another Farang.

I needed:-
1 TM7 application form.
1 photo 6x4cm.
1 passport + 1 copy of 'face', 'visa', 'entry card (TM6)' pages.
1 bank book + 1 copy of 'name', 'deposits & withdrawals' pages.
1 bank letter dated within 30 days showing amount in book (no copy needed).
1 clinic letter stating health (no copy needed).
1900 baht.

"I love it when a plan comes together"

Our planned Club Programme for August 27, 2005

2005-08-25T20:18:00.000+07:00

Hope you are all having a good time being healthy and wealthy and happy in paradise.

As usual, we have a good meeting to present to you. Our main speaker is Stuart Saunders who wanted to become a philosopher but misspelled the name and since then he is a FLOSSIFY, a specialist in Oral Hygiene.

There are many new aspects in this type of hygiene. Hardly a week goes by without hearing a new report about oral hygiene and its benefits for general health as opposed the harm caused from poor oral hygiene.

Stuart has being studying the subject since inventing his credit card floss dispenser twelve years ago, and has being marketing it throughout the world.

There is a money back guarantee against halitosis and Stuart will show you how you can guarantee fresh breath and keep your teeth forever.

We have received an interesting bit of news for you. The 2nd Annual Flying Farangs open Golf tournament will be held this coming Saturday at the Siam Country Club. Bangkok Flying Farangs Ice Hockey Club is a group of expats (mostly Canadians) who share a love and a passion for Ice Hockey, but also like to knock the odd golf ball around. The format will consist of a 2 players Scamble. Entry fee is 2,200 Baht net per person which includes greens fees, caddie fees and post match dinner and prizes. Dinner is at Henry J. Bean at Amarit – just 500 baht if you don’t want to play golf

Check their website at www.flyingfarangs.com

For more information about their golf day please contact the THAI CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, and book online www.tccc.or.th

Our club is a great way to meet new and old friends, and renew acquaintances. It’s also a good learning place to pick up new interests while we all enjoy life in Pattaya. During our open forum, Brian Maxey our super duper great motivator is there to coordinate all of your questions regarding Visas, Work Permits, Buying, Selling or Renting a home/condo, or starting a business.

We will have our sponsors available for your consideration plus Members Information Center, Immigration table being hosted by Peter Meuleman and Darren McGarry and our Club shop offering Polo-Shirts and caps ( in both black and red) with the Pattaya Expats Logo.

Your Meeting Manager will advise you on the Door Prizes in the Weekly Lucky Draw and Denis Laurin at the Membership Table will be happy to show you how to become a member.

We look forward to welcoming you next Saturday.

Denis Laurin, Speaker Program Manager.

New Pattaya TV Channel for Expats

2005-08-25T20:11:00.000+07:00

Around the clock expats TV channel in Pattaya

On the 1st of September a new TV channel will be launched, broadcasting 24 hours a day. It will be an Expats Channel, focusing on local news and information. The name is PATTAYA PEOPLE CHANNEL, which will air on Channel 6, Sophon Cable TV.

The new channel will bring us the most important local news, but will also provide loads of useful information for expats living in and around Pattaya. That’s why we are pleased that the new TV channel will pay a lot of attention to the activities of the Pattaya Expats Club, as our aim is also to inform the expats living here as good as possible, so they can enjoy a better and safer life and stay legally. Pattaya People Channel will preview and cover the Saturday Meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club in the Grand Sole Hotel and do extensive interviews with our guest speakers. But they will also follow the other functions closely, like charity fund raisers, social activities or the Golf Section.

The Pattaya Expats Club is grateful to Pattaya People for always supporting our Club so tremendously and giving us the opportunity to convince its viewers of the significance of our Club. Now the airtime will be stretched so substantially - a 4 hour programme that will be repeated - it will even enlarge our chance to reach out to the expats and our Club Members.

Managing Director of Pattaya People Channel Niels Colov has also stated that he is most willing to offer free airtime to any member of our Club who wants to do an interesting or important announcement, which will give him or her a unique chance to reach an audience of over 100,000 persons.

Pattaya Expats Newsletter August 10, 2005

2005-08-11T16:52:00.000+07:00

Report on our upcoming meeting on Saturday, August 13, 2005

This coming Saturday, August 13^th, we will be welcoming back Khun Mukda Pattana-anek, an audiologist from the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital who is also a representative for D-Med Hearing.

On the second Saturday of each month we try to bring in a health professional as one of our speakers, and this is the second appearance for this professional.

Her well informed presentation last year was greatly appreciated and she will be updating us on the latest technologies in testing equipment and digital hearing aids

Please bring all of your questions, particularly if you know of someone that may benefit from a hearing test – there is a possibility that the hospital may set up their testing equipment in our reception area

We also have a welcome return visit by Khun Sombat, our in-house motorbike taxi driver psychologist, who will be happy to interact with us on Thai/Farang relationships. Khun Sombat brings his unique brand of humor, coupled with that special way of explaining things and is always a delight to listen to.

Our club is a great way too, to meet new friends and pick up some new interests while we all enjoy life in Pattaya. Plus, if you have any questions about Visas, Work Permits, Buying, Selling or Renting a home, or starting a business etc., there is sure to be someone who has been down that same road.

Report on our last meeting on Saturday, August 6, 2005

The many attendees at the Grand Sole Hotel this time were carried away by the tunes of a professional guitar player, invited to a prison boxing match and to a big party at the Pattaya People building, and at the Open Forum a true visa expert had an answer to even the most difficult questions.

While everybody was enjoying their breakfast and the attendees of the German Expats Club joined in, we were all treated to some very special live guitar music.

It was our guest speaker warming up for the main event. Then Founder, VP and Webmaster Pete Mills, standing in MC once more for our vacationing Brian Maxey, officially opened the programme.

Pete had received an e-mail in which one of our members expressed his frustration at the obstacles to renewing his driving license recently. But out of this frustration, we now have lots of details and tips on our website (www.pattayaexpatsclub.com) He also informed us that Cambodia now demands 1,100 Baht for a visa instead of 20 Dollar (approx. 800 Baht).

Vice President Richard Ravensdale, sharing the MC duties today, mentioned that there were tickets for sale for a raffle at the Holiday Bazaar 2005 event. The PILC (Pattaya International Ladies Club) will be supporting this charity event (October 8 at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort).

Richard then informed us that starting September, Pattaya People Television will broadcast 24 hours a day – a 4 hours programme that will be repeated 6 times – and asked the members what sort of programmes or topics they would prefer to watch.

There were some suggestions and Comedy was one of them. Richard then introduced us to Mark, who used to run a Comedy Channel and can provide loads of videos and DVD‘s including the best of British and American comedies, but also drama’s and classic movies.

Richard also mentioned that 3 more restaurants have been added to the large Pattaya Expats discount list: Olivier’s and Saigon in the Jomtien Complex (5%) and Saigon Bay on Pratamnik Hill (10%).

Then it was time for our very special guest speaker or should I say entertainer, as Mick Barker spent most of his career as a professional studio musician. He first talked through his guitar, performing a tribute to one of the finest guitar players ever –Al Di Meola, who started as a studio musician too.

Everyone in the room got carried away by this great piece and Mick’s technical skills. Even the recorded background music was written and played by Mick.

He then told us that he started to play piano when he was 8 years, and though he liked it, he fell in love with the guitar after he saw Bill Haley’s Rock Around The Clock movie. His father promised he would buy Mick a guitar if he was able to play a song within 2 weeks, which he managed to do by choosing Harry Belafonte’s Banana Boat song, which was only based on 2 chords.

In those days there was no real electric guitar education and all the performers were buying the same study books and practicing the same tunes.

At 18 he got his first job at a London West End Theatre, where he worked with Marty Wilde, a well known rock and roll figure. Marty’s daughter Kim was a pop icon and sex symbol in the 80’s.

Then Mick picked up his guitar to let us enjoy his playing skills again. Now he performed a song by Gary Moore, a close friend and quite famous and respected too, though Mick thinks that he could have been an even a bigger act if he had been an American and a bit more of a showman.

Once again the crowd was thrilled by the music. Mick then told us that being a studio musician in those days – between the 60’s and 80’s - was a tough job. All recordings were done in real time and in 3 hours they would produce about 4 tracks. If you made a mistake and they had to start over again, resulting in overtime pay for the extra time in the studio, you knew you were out next time.

You never knew what you had to play; it could be jazz, rock ‘n roll, anything. They didn’t only expect you to read music, you also had to create bits of the song, like a guitar solo. He told us how a friend came up with the sax intro of Gerry Rafferty’s classic Baker Street. Without this intro the song would probably had ended up as yet another average tune instead of hitting the charts worldwide.

Mick told us some anecdotes and experiences and recalled some rewarding moments. The nicest stars to work with were Andy Williams and Petula Clark. With Barbara Streisand it was a little more difficult. He ended his presentation with a composition of his own, called Circus in Spain, and he got a big round of applause for that one as well.

Of course the guitar lovers present had a lot of questions for Mick and we learned that he has his own album out which you can buy on the internet. He ended with a John Lennon anecdote. When the Beatles toured through the USA for the first time, a journalist asked John Lennon if Ringo Star was England’s best drummer. Lennon answered: “He isn’t even the best drummer in the Beatles.”

Then Club President Niels Colov took the stage with some great announcements:

On August 15 there is the Father Ray Brennan commemoration at the Alangkarn theatre. The Pattaya Expats Club is among those who are organising this event. Tickets cost 1,000 Baht and all revenues go to the Father Ray Brennan foundation.

On September 2 all members are cordially invited to the grand opening party of the renovated Pattaya People Office on Soi Day Night Hotel. It is also a party to celebrate the complete local one stop media company that Pattaya People will then be, with 24 hours TV, a German TV channel, a radio station, a new weekly newspaper in English and German, (but also containing some stories in other languages), a glossy magazine and more.

Niels said that members of the Club will always get free airtime on this TV channel and the new weekly newspaper will be distributed at our meetings for free. The party will offer plenty of food, beverages and entertainment and over 1.000 guests are expected.

On September 16 a boxing match will be organised in the Pattaya Prison. The event will take place between 14.00 and 18.00. Tickets cost 1,000 Baht and the revenues are to be used to set up a prison library and training centre. You can also take a tour inside the prison and perhaps even sleep over if you like (just kidding). Bus transportation will be provided.

The Pattaya Expats Club is planning to start a golf section. Members will get discounts equivalent to those of other sports organizations so Pattaya Expat Club membership is getting more valuable all the time. Niels introduced Ossi Viljanen, a professional golf teacher, who is the Head Pro of the Club’s golf section. We will hear more from him soon.

During the Open Microphone Forum an in house expert is now called to the stage. Today: Darren McGarry, an expert in visa matters. Countless questions were asked – Al begged for roller skates to bring the microphone around - but Darren was never shy of an answer and proved to be a real expert. He also offers a 7 days hotline and is available in the foyer area every Saturday.

After the lucky Draw, with dinners for 2 at Globetrotter and Jameson’s, sandwiches at Subway or a cocktail at Opsinjoor to win, a very enjoyable meeting came to an end. Please join us next Saturday for interesting speakers, supportive friends and lots of good information.

Peter Visser, Press Officer & PR Coordinator for Pattaya Expats Club

Pattaya Rules of the Road. 1st English Edition

2005-08-11T16:47:00.000+07:00

Rules of the Road
Pattaya, Thailand.
1st English Language Edition.

If you come across one of those strange black and white painted stripe things across the road, and an Englishman (easily recognized with the pale complexion, thick blue socks and sandals attached to a stiff upper lip) is trying to cross, be sure to give him special consideration. He truly thinks one toe on the crossing gives him eminent domain, so slow down a little to give him confidence, and then scare the living daylights out of him by speeding up just as he confidently starts strolling across.
When approaching a main road on your motorbike, into the flow of traffic from your right, you must avoid at all costs looking to your right for oncoming traffic. It is their responsibility to avoid crashing into your motorbike so proceed with impunity.
The counting down number signs now installed on some traffic lights are just guidelines. 10 or 20 seconds either way is OK if you need to cross against the red light in a hurry. If all else fails and you are faced with a 60 second wait, make a sharp left (following the rules in item 2), then a neat U turn across both traffic lanes, then back to the lights and another left turn. Time saved – at least 20 seconds.
If you own a motorbike any bigger than one of the 125cc jobbies, it is mandatory to wear a Nazi helmet complete with swastika. It’s also required that the back seat slopes up at a 45 degree angle so that your girl friend is posed in an impossible yet quite inviting position. When parking this vehicle, make sure it leans into any scooter type jobbie so that it is impossible to escape 3^rd degree burns from your monster exhaust tubes.
Double parking, especially if you own of those huge 4 door trucks, is to be encouraged, (to ease the parking problem) particularly close to a traffic light. Please be considerate though and switch on your blinking indicators in case someone cannot see the monster.
If you own a similar truck and observe a kindred spirit double parked near the traffic lights, guide your own truck as close to the other as you can so none of those scooter jobbies can squeeze through.
The logic behind double (and sometimes triple) yellow lines in the middle of the road has so far defied translation from the Thai. It’s OK to cross over them to overtake, or to make a right or left turn across them so perhaps they just ran out of white paint. One school of thought suggests it’s some kind of speed up signal, particularly if there is an approaching bend in the road.
Motor cycle helmets are mandatory, unless there are children on board or more than 3 adults, or at least one adult riding side saddle.
When parking the aforementioned large truck in your small Soi, make sure you park it exactly opposite your neighbor’s truck across the Soi. This gives other neighbors more experience in backing up at high speed through restricted spaces.

And finally, when parking at Carrefour, make sure you snuggle up to the truck next to you, particularly if the car on the other side is parked close to the truck too. This way the truck has to back out in a dead straight line, with no chance to turn the wheel right or left before backing in to the next row of cars. Great for the truck owner to practice his 32 point turns.

PEC Club. Saturday July 30, 2005 Meeting

2005-07-31T21:14:00.000+07:00

The many attendees, who found their way to the Grand Sole Hotel, not only could choose between a continental, American breakfast or Thai brunch, but on the menu also was Yorkshire pudding this time. The Director of the TAT, for this part of the Country, was the keynote speaker, who inspired the audience to an Open Forum like question and answer format. Of course there was the “real” Open Forum, the Lucky Draw and the many activities and services in the foyer area.

Yorkshire Day! White roses on every table and on the big screen pictures were shown of landscapes, streams, villages and castles of this traditional English county. On August 1 the proud people of Yorkshire celebrate their day. As Club Sponsor Steve Dickens from Liberty Computers and Liberty Support Services is a Yorkshire native, he treated the attendees to the famous Yorkshire pudding. Steve told us about the history of this meal - meant to discourage people to eat expensive meat - and guided us through some Yorkshire traditions, attractions, customs, legends and expressions. We learned that there are connections to Dracula, a drunk from Huddersfield invented cat’s eyes to light the center of the road at night, Yorkshire has the first ever fish and chip, an underground waterfall larger than Niagara Falls and some quite aggressive ladies.

Co Founder, Vice President and Webmaster Pete Mills, today also was the stand in Master of Ceremonies. He withdrew an earlier recommendation about adding ICE to your cell phone, as it turned out to be a scam and informed us that the internet option link on the Club’s website (www.pattayaexpatsclub.com) now contains up to date information for the Pattaya area.

Club President Niels Colov then proudly introduced the guest speaker, Khun Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Region 3, responsible for Chon Buri and Samut Prakan province.

He told us that TAT is a state enterprise operating under the Ministry of Tourism & Sports (soon it will be the Ministry of Tourism only). They have 22 domestic offices and 23 worldwide. He described TAT as the marketing arm of the government to sell Thailand to the tourists which is the number one source of foreign currency for the Kingdom.

Their slogan nowadays is: “happiness on earth.” He zoomed in for a while on the activities of TAT. They support private organisations in the tourism industry (like travel agencies), do public relations, advertise, design brochures, do research and collect and maintain statistics.

Khun Chattan then told what he could do for us. He can help with professional advice, suggestions and support. If you want to bring high profile groups over, he might do business with you, though he made clear that the budget is tight. He can help advertise tourist attractions or be the link between Pattaya and other fine destinations in the country. He emphasised the significance of the Pattaya Expats Club and even called us “the ambassadors for Pattaya as an international city.”

Though you have to climb the steep Pratamnak Hill to reach his office, he said that he is only a phone call away and everybody must feel free to contact him. His number is: 038- 428 750 or 427 667. TAT is open 365 days a year. He also mentioned the TAT website: www.tourismthailand.org and ended the presentation stating that Pattaya is a fantastic place and once people decide to come to visit, they will certainly enjoy it and more than likely return again and again.

Then the question and answer part followed, which turned out to be more of an Open Forum with Niels being the moderator. Some of the questions were out of Khun Chattan’s sphere of influence. When it comes to traffic problems, water shortage, polluted beaches and crime, City Hall, the Police or other authorities are responsible although TAT provides input on how these problems affect tourism. He promised to discuss some of these matters with these other agencies.

These were some of the many answers Khun Chattan could give though. Sometimes organisers of events change dates at the last moment, therefore it can accidentally happen that they give wrong information. He agreed that medical tourism is fast growing and the TAT ever more endorses and supports it.

He admitted that, for a long time Thailand didn’t watch their competitors closely enough, but they do now. Thailand recently dropped to 3^rd place in the ranking of most successful tourist destinations in this region, behind Malaysia and market leader China. He also talked a bit about the Chinese tourists, who are an important target, but have had some bad experiences in the past and especially Pattaya is challenged to regain their trust.

There were some lively discussions about the concept of quality tourists and what must be done to attract them. Khun Chattan made clear that he believes that Pattaya, with all the things it has to offer, will grow rapidly as a family holiday resort and he strongly played down suggestions that it would make any sense to only promote the city as an “adult playground”. It was nice to hear that TAT wants to arrange some special trips for the members of the Pattaya Expats Club – like the recent visit to the OTOP Grand Sale in Bangkok - as he likes to work closely together with us “ambassadors.” Niels added that a Club trip to the elephant event in Surin will be organised. Khun Chattan definitely won the hearts of the members when he stated that the double pricing system is unfair and he does all he can to discourage it.

The meeting was wrapped up with the Weekly Free Lucky Draw. MC Pete, who did a fine job, was helped out by Board Secretary Roger Carino and Stephen Wilson, a volunteer of the Production Team, who both took care of the meeting management today. There were valuable dinners for 2 to win at Jameson’s Irish Pub at the Nova Park apartments and at Globetrotter restaurant off Soi 7, as well as sandwiches from Subway on the ground floor of Carrefour.

Never a dull moment in the foyer area as usual. There was the get together of the Ladies Group, the Immigration Counter, the Information Point, the Club Shop, the Membership Cards Desk, the stands of the sponsors and last but not least, a lot of socialising going on. It would be great to meet you next Saturday too.

Peter Visser, Press Officer & PR Coordinator for Pattaya Expats Club

Pattaya Expats Club events for July 30, 2005

2005-07-28T10:25:00.000+07:00

Planned Programme for 30 July 2005 Club Meeting

Don’t miss out this coming Saturday!

August 1st, is YORKSHIRE DAY and all members of the PATTAYA EXPATS CLUB are invited to the regular Saturday meeting of the 30^th of July to help the Yorkshire expats celebrate.

This special event is being sponsored by the LIBERTY GROUP as two of the founders of this Company are proud Yorkshire men. They will be providing FREE YORKSHIRE PUDDING and gravy plus some other Yorkshire delights. So make sure you come along with friends, whether you were lucky enough to be born in Yorkshire or not. Even Lancastrians are welcome.

Denis Laurin wrote:

Hi everyone,

I’m back at my old desk and happy to contribute my bits and pieces, so here we go:

Our guest speaker this coming Saturday is none other then Khun Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director of the Central Region office 3 from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

He will conduct an interactive open forum thereby feel free to bring your questions about attractions to visit around and about the Chonburi Province and, believe me, there are plenty.

There will be. as usual, our esteemed sponsors to answers your queries, the ladies corner and the Immigration desk - plus our PEC caps and sweaters for your enjoyment.

Doors prizes will be drawn and you can ask your Meeting Manager what they are as you enter.

Have a super meeting and don't forget to bring a friend.

Cheers

Pattaya Expats Club Meeting of July 9, 2005

2005-07-13T09:18:00.000+07:00

Programme for 16 July 2005 Club Meeting

This Saturday our meeting features a hard to miss illustrated talk on the big screen on what’s available FREE to improve your PC, given by our resident club ‘computer doc’, Steve Dickens of Liberty Computers. Steve has been involved with the IT industry for 30 years, as a senior manager for Cognos Corporation before relocating to Pattaya in early 2004. His Liberty Group is a proud platinum sponsor of the PEC.

We have not had a main speaker cover the subject of IT for quite a while, so I invited Steve, as it’s such a feature of our everyday lives now to live with and communicate via computers and the Internet. Under the title: “Nothing in Life is free … ?????” his topic will explore what is available genuinely for free that will help you get more out of your PC. There is a lot of ‘freeware’ and ‘shareware’ on the internet, and Steve will highlight some of the best ones for our Club members and tell you how to get them ! In many cases this free software is comparable to software you pay lots of money for !! So, not only might you be able to save money, but also improve the effectiveness of your PC !!! A subject not to be missed I am sure you will agree.
Steve Dickens will also spend a few minutes illustrating a new project ‘Pattaya Support Services’ – an introduction to a service now available in Pattaya, aiming to make everyday life easier - from paying a utility bill to organising a corporate function!

Our upper foyer exhibition displays, with the club greeting, programme details and memberships area opposite the staircase has display tables with in depth information from regular contributors. Our Microphone prompts at 11.10am confirms who is available to consult before the meeting. Our large take-away information point with leaflets and publications from many services available in Pattaya is open until the end of the show.
Our MC announcement roles this week will be shared by Pete Mills and myself. Pete, our Club Founder and Webmaster since 2001, is just back to Thailand. We also hope Roger Carino will lead our famous OPEN MICROPHONE FORUM…. for all your questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !
Richard Ravensdale, Vice President / Meeting Manager

Report on the 9th July, 2005 Club Meeting
The Grand Sole Hotel was once again the right place to be, as the programme featured a speaker who can make the water in swimming pools more safe, silky and cheap, a Lawyer who told us how a divorce can taste less bitter, a Lucky Draw with a baby elephant to take home, invitations to adventurous events and an Open Forum with a lot of valuable information.
The meeting started on a somber note. Meeting Manager and Vice President Richard Ravensdale talked about the disgusting terrorist attacks in London on July 7 and gave the attendants the opportunity to share their feelings about this tragedy. Many the members are British. Club President Niels Colov then condemned this act against mankind and - on behalf of the Pattaya Expats Club – expressed his condolences and wished the many injured strength. Everybody rose for one minute of silence.
MC Brian Maxey welcomed many newcomers again – they keep floating in - and he made clear that you don’t have to wonder if you are expat enough to join. Everybody is welcome. There was a special warm welcome for Vice President Pete Mills, a Founder of the Club and now also Webmaster of the great website (www.pattayaexpatsclub.com). Pete just arrived from Australia. Brian explained how to sign in for the newsletter and Pete mentioned some of the many Countries that receive the newsletter.
Also from Australia was guest speaker Steve Johnson from Water Technologies Co. Ltd., who taught us about a revolutionary way of anti bio water treatment, which has proven to be very successful Down Under. Though first developed to clean beer lines, this new technology is now being used to improve the quality of the water in swimming pools. Electromagnetic fields and sweeping sound frequencies break down bacterial substances in the water and stop them from breeding, which means you can reduce the quantity of chlorine and chemicals and it makes the job of the filtration installation less frequent.
This saves a lot of water, which saves money, the environment and Pattaya’s limited reserves. Another advantage is that swimmers are less likely to pick up infections the water will be soft and silky. Some top hotels in Thailand now have adopted their system too. The water treatment technique can also be used to clean up sewage, grey water, marine anti foul or pipe works. There were many questions, also regarding using the system in a backyard pool. For those who weren’t there, you can call Steve on 0484-28317 or email: steve@antibio.com.au
The next guest speaker was Thai Lawyer Khun Poovong Posai from Bangkok. He talked about the legal consequences of divorcing a Thai partner. It won’t harm you to know these up front. The Thai law – which was made after a lot of international laws were studied – differentiates 10 main reasons to justify a divorce. Some of them are: misconduct, long term insanity, disappearing for over a year, broken written promises, not having the money anymore to take care, or not being able to make love anymore (sounds to me like a good reason for a lady to stay with you though). Some members were relieved that Khun Poovong confirmed that butter flying was not included in this Top 10.
The Lawyer wanted interaction and there were many questions, mainly about the financial heartbreak a divorce can cause, but also about having a relationship without being married or gay relationships. He made it clear that in all situations, a partner might claim her or his share of money or property gained while being together. If you want to take no risk, register your possessions before you start a relationship.
The topic was very appealing and after the meeting people stood in line to ask Khun Poovong burning questions. He told us that members of the Pattaya Expats Club can always call him and he will not charge them for his advice. His number is: 01-803-4797. Everybody agreed that it would be great to welcome him back every now and then and that it was not so bad that the ladies were enjoying their own get together outside the room.
Then Niels made some announcements:
- On July 12 Café New Orleans will host a vegetarian adventure. It’s only 99 Baht, a bargain, as this restaurant will guarantee top class food. Only 35 people can join. You don’t have to be a vegetarian, but you might become one afterwards.
- On July 20 in Jupiter on Soi Pattayaland 2 you can witness how many true brown eyed girls will compete in a Blue Ice beauty contest
- On July 30 there’s the Charity mini concert at the Town in Town hotel, to support many disabled. Famous Thai artists will perform, like Joe Louise with the puppet show, Thida Chang (the Elephant Lady), Lew Varissara and movie star Thammasak Suriyon, who was present at our “stars and stripes” meeting last week to promote this unique event.
- On August 15 there will be a commemoration of the good work late Father Ray Brennan did for Pattaya. Alangkarn will as always produce a spectacular show, now also featuring video footage of Father Ray and “his” orphans will take part as well. The revenues will go to the Father Ray Brennan Foundation. Niels encouraged all members to visit the show (tickets 1.000 Baht) to support this very good initiative.
Last week a lady wanted to change the prize she won at the Lucky Draw for a baby elephant. It seemed an out of reach wish, but members were asked to see what they could do for her. And today she got it, thanks to “Derek the Balloon” It is a kind of elephant that doesn’t eat 24 hours a day and she will not be fined walking her pet down the Pattaya Sois. More prizes: guest speaker Steve Johnson offered a bottle of Australian red wine, there were Subway sandwiches, a cocktail at Opsinjoor and dinners for 2 at Jameson’s, Haus München and last but not least, Globetrotter restaurant off Soi 7. Richard thanked owner Lasse of Globetrotter for constantly sponsoring these dinners and for the nice evening he recently hosted for the volunteers of the Production Team of the Club, who were stunned by the quality of his meals and the many specialties on the impressive menu card.
Brian mentioned some upcoming events, like the Pattaya Marathon on July 17 – you can still sponsor charity runner Roger Rabbit - and then went on with the Open Microphone Forum. Although there’s the Immigration Counter outside the room, many visa experiences were exchanged (surf to the Club’s website for much updated info) and a lot of information about buying computers. Talking about that: next week Steve Dickens of Liberty Computers will be a guest speaker. He is available at the Club Sponsor stands just outside the room every Saturday, together with the other sponsors, who are all experts in many different fields. Drop by next week!
Peter Visser, Press Officer & PR Coordinator for Pattaya Expats Club
From Our MC – Brian Maxey
Hi, I'm Brian Maxey (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)
9 July meeting - Good solid meeting today, with lots of audience participation, to both speakers, and the open forum.
We would like to remember 'Bastille Day' for the Republic of France July 14th. 1789 to 1799 saw a 'revolution' that transformed France from an absolute monarchy to a republic of theoretically free and equal citizens.
On July 14 crowds of citizens assaulted the Bastille, a large fortress on the eastern edge of Paris. They believed that it contained munitions and many prisoners, but in fact, the fortress housed only seven inmates at the time. The storming of the Bastille marked a turning point at attempts at reform by the monarchy. A full-scale revolution had begun. Faced with this insurrection, the monarchy backed down, and ultimately devolved into the present day government style. Vive la France!
Richard Ravensdale, the Meeting Manager (pecrichard@yahoo.co.uk), is available at the meeting venue to take your questions, comments or offers of help.
Denis Laurin is looking to you for suggestions for 'speakers' at our Meetings. Dates are available from end of September. (djlauri@loxinfo.co.th)
Open forum questions & information arising from Saturday:--
Poovong Posai, our guest speaker Lawyer last Saturday can be contacted: (Poovong@Thailandlawyers.com) Siam International Law Office, Bangkok, Mobile: 0-1803-4097
'SWIFT CODES' are a method of identifying Banks (and currencies) around the world, and is an efficient method for transferring money internationally (but not the only method). A member asked for details, so an article should appear on our website, soon.
For money transfers, your 'home' bank will want to know the following:
Your Thai bank's name and address.
Your Thai banks' SWIFT code. e.g. BKASTHBK (Bank of Asia)
You account full name e.g. George Bush
Your account Number e.g. 012-3-45678-9
Websites that give bank IDs are: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_SWIFT_codes) or (http://www.swift.com/biconline/)
Some confusion occurred when a member referred to an O-A visa, and an O visa. He stated that both allowed one year stays. The room was roughly divided as to who agreed with him.
1. an O-A visa allows 1 year stay, and is annually renewable. (often referred to as 'A Retirement Visa')
2. an O visa allows 90 day stay - then expires unless upgraded.
3. a Muli-entry O visa allows 90 day stay - repeatedly for 1 year - then expires unless upgraded.
4. an O visa that is upgraded (extended) for retirement purposes, becomes the same as 1. (it may not actually say O-A, but in effect it becomes one)
Another member stated that he had successfully 'changed' a 30 day 'stamp on arrival' to an 'O' visa in 'room 303' in Bangkok. He is referring to the Immigration Bureau Headquarters (room number 303, 3rd Floor) Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120 Tel. 02.287.3117
This office may allow changes to your existing visa to suitable applicants, for compelling reasons. Our members tell us that this process is certainly not always successful, but may be worth a try. The alternative would be to go to a Thai Embassy outside Thailand.
I must say, the level of informed membership continues to amaze us. It seems, no matter what subject we encounter, someone has a way of giving the answer - finding the answer - or telling where the answer can be found. I often say the room is 'full of experts' (as well as Expats), and it usually is. It's a privilege to stand in front of such a distinguished group of helpful people, week after week.
'Roger Rabbit' (Derrick McCarrick) was again in attendance, looking for sponsors to back him to run the 'Pattaya Half-Marathon', Sunday 17 July - 0400, for children leukaemia research. Both Bangkok Pattaya Hospital & Pattaya Mail will accept sponsorship money for Derrick.
The 'Phone Registration Saga'. According to AIS central office, the registration period is being extended until the end of this year, for all.
I took my wife to register our phones to a D-tac office in Big C supermarket. They opened the phones, recorded the SIM numbers, asked for her ID, & my Passport (a Thai drivers licence will do), entered the details on a D-tac computer, and said "Thank You for Registering". It felt a lot more authentic than the previous experiences. Just goes to show - when you take a Thai person with you - it flows easily.
For sure, Telewiz in IT City (TukCom) WILL register 1-2-call networks.
D-tac offer 5 baht per SMS (text) message to 154 countries from 1st July. See www.dtac.co.th
Also I am enjoying 1baht/min currently on my D-tac phone, to anywhere in Thailand, until the end of the year!
An answer to: how do I get a 'water well/pipe' bored. K Prajak is a Thai man who does this - 019403637 (Thai language only). Thanks to Big Ron's wife for this. (hope she enjoyed her 'baby elephant' gift)
A connection for those requiring 'hearing' equipment. Senso Diva: D MED Hearing Center Co,.Ltd. 326/ 3-4 Sukhothai Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Phone +66 2668 13003. (www.widex.co.th) (www.hear-it.org)
Immigration at Soi 8 are now open Saturday mornings 0830 - 1200.
Peter B (Production Team & Board Member) has suggested gatherings for members on other days/evenings. If you have any suggestions as to themes, events or venues please see Peter at the meeting. Peter is the tall Belgian usually greeting you at the top of the stairs.
Father Ray's legacy will be celebrated by a special presentation at the Alangkarn Showground, Highway 3, Jomtien. Monday 15 August, tickets 1,000 baht, all proceeds to the children's foundations.
Our Membership card gets you a Discount at many outlets in, and around, Pattaya. Membership is a snip at 150 baht until December 31st 2005, or 600 baht for life.
The PEC shop is open at the meeting each Saturday. A range of 'Polo Shirts' (various sizes) red or black, 'T-shirts' & 'Base Ball Caps' (adjustable) red or dark blue. Many shirts can be seen around the room, worn by members.
There is a choice of buffet food at the Saturday Meeting. Western or Thai - your choice - same price! Tea & Coffee is available from the Drinks Table, although Vegetarian options & Decaffeinated Coffee are not possible. There is 'low-fat' & 'low-calorie' sweetener. Hot water is available for your own sachets of choice.
Please offer your services, and 'volunteer' to assist our Club in some way, contact Richard our 'Meeting Manager' (pecrichard@yahoo.co.uk).
If you would like to "Guest MC" - simply a 'one-off', or more if you wish, email me.
This Newsletter is available on both our website & blogsite:
http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/newsletter.htm
http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com
The Club's 'Chat Forum' link is an excellent place to 'talk' to people worldwide about anything you want to know or say. A simple Q&A site - try it. You will need to set up a username & password the first time you visit:
http://s8.invisionfree.com/expats/index.php?
The German Language group now meet prior to the International Group on the 1st & 3rd Saturday in the month (16th July, 6th August, 20th August, 3rd September), 10:00 am. email address: (pattayaexpatsclub@web.de)
The International Group meeting is every Saturday at the Grand Solé Hotel, 2nd Road. 11:00 am. One ticket allows entry to both meetings
There is NO SMOKING allowed anywhere in the Auditorium or Foyer. Two outside terraces are available for smoking, private conversations, and telephone calls.
We always have to cut short the 'Open Forum' Q&A no matter how early we start. Come and join in, it's great fun!
Keep the emails coming, tell us what you think of our club & it's many aspects. Tell us what you like, tell us what you want - always happy to know someone's listening.
Please retain the large part of your Saturday Meeting entry ticket as proof of entry & verification for the Lucky Draw Winner to claim the prize (you'll need to show your membership card too). Remember this draw is for Members Only - you can join on the day.
Why not come along next Saturday 11:00am (1130 program start) at the Grand Solé Hotel, 2nd Road, between Central Road & North Road - introduce a friend - 'free parking' - bring pen & paper.
MC, Brian. (kop1bj-pecmc@yahoo.com)

PEC Meeting Programme for July 9, 2005

2005-07-05T22:51:00.000+07:00

Programme for 9 July 2005 Club Meeting

This coming Saturday our meeting features a variety of themes. A Bangkok based Thai lawyer Khun Poovong Posai will come to discuss the theme of Divorce. Khun Poovong is from the Siam International Law Office, Bangkok, Mobile: 0-1803-4097. DIVORCE ! - If things go wrong in your relationship and you need to divorce your spouse, how do you handle this in a legal, proper and fair way? After his speech the audience can ask questions on various legal matters.

If you like to swim in any hotel pool, are you safe ? What are the cutting edge technologies which now mean you no longer have the smell of chlorine when you go for a dip. Steve Johnson from Island Pools Water Technologies Co Ltd will give a talk on the advances in this area. Commercial swimming pools are the primary target for the Anti Bio technology which features in a number of installations worldwide. In Asia, these include the "Sheraton Grand Laguna" the "Dusit Laguna", the "Laguna Resort in Phuket, the "Banyan Tree Phuket" His company also has over 1000 installations at many hotels in Australia as well as a number of Council Swimming facilities.

Anti Bio is an Australian developed technology employing an Electromagnetic Field coupled with a Sweeping Sound Frequency used in Swimming Pool and water filtration plants. The system has a frequency generating unit, wall mounted. There is no intrusion to existing pipe work/system, so is an easy retrofit. Its completely safe as there is no intrusion of any equipment into the water.

The results are a significant reduction in Pathogens, significantly less chemicals required/used, stable pH, and a reduction in costs. For pools with high chlorine usage, the reduction in Chloramines means that the bathers no longer have to suffer the smell of chlorine. The Anti Bio system actually ionizes the water without any intrusive mechanism’s. its a low cost, maintenance free way to ensure the safety and comfort of your swimming environment and saving anywhere from 25%-55% over chemical expenses.

If he can take time off driving we also hope to have our motorbike taxi philosopher Khun Sombat back with us is week.

Our upper foyer exhibition displays, with the club greeting, programme details and memberships area opposite the staircase has display tables with in depth information from regular contributors. Microphone prompts at 11.10am confirms who is available to consult before the meeting plus our large take-away information centre with leaflets and publications from many services available in Pattaya.

Our MC Brian Maxey will host this weeks show plus our famous OPEN FORUM…. for all your questions about nearly everything !

Richard Ravensdale, Vice President / Meeting Manager