Barry Kenyon’s 67th birthday

Khun Chantima Watcharapongwanith (second from left front row) hosted a birthday party for Barry Kenyon, Pattaya based officer of the British embassy (third from left) who is also the manager of the Pattaya Today group.

Barry Kenyon is shown at his birthday party with Visa Chimdee of Siamese Vision Media Company and a good friend for many years. Barry was recently hospitalised following a tear and semi-detachment in his right eye retina, now mostly recovered after las

                                                     Manhattans Charity Dinner

Card magicians Brian Jacks & young Sam O´Learry

Kavita Lamba and Manhattans´ MD Dave Bowers

THE evening started in the cocktail lounge where the guests enjoyed a welcome cocktail and canapés and were entertained by a young singer from the UK, Ms Niamh O’Leary. Only 17 years old, she is a very talented pianist and has a superb voice. I think I have recorded her song in my mobile phone, I'll upload them here soon. Check out her music on her website www.niamholeary.moonfruit.com/. Definitely someone to look out for.

Ms Niamh O Leary performing some beautifull ballads

Somsak-Martin J. Frutin arrived in his famous red Rolls-Royce

     The evening continued with a superb 4 course meal, with the main course featuring beef tenderloin, pork medallion and chicken breast flame grilled and served with Manhattans own special barbecue sauce and a selection of potatoes and vegetables.

Ms Kavita Lamba (centre) and friends representing The Mercy Center

     Two magicians, Mr Brian Jacks and Master Sam O’ Leary entertained The guests with a series of magic tricks at the tables. Brian, a world record-breaking sports celebrity from the UK was the most famous competitor from the BBC ‘Superstars’ programme during which he broke two world records in the gym challenges. He now enjoys magic as a hobby. Sam also produced some card tricks which baffled and delighted the diners.
     After the meal and the magic were over, a raffle was held with some great prizes organized by Kavita Lamba, as ever, a tireless campaigner for the children of the Mercy Center.
     Manhattans had a full house for the event and a good time was had by all. Best of all, well over 50,000 baht was raised for the Mercy Center.
     Some clips of the evening can be seen on You Tube by typing in “Manhattans Pattaya”.
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                                                           Charismatic party

Sansak Ngampichet gives string which ties all those in attendance in prayer

Drew Noyes, Chanyut Hengtrakool join the 10,000 other guests in prayer

INDEED, this was truly one of the mega parties of the year. More than 10,000 friends, family members and followers of the charismatic Sansak Ngampichet joined in the incredible Buddhist ceremony making merit for his sixth cycle birthday. The 72-year-old former Senator representing Pattaya and the region invited family, close friends and many of the people he served to his Birthday party last week.

Sansak Ngampichet and his son former Member of Parliament Baramee, and grand-daughter stand in prayer with Chanyut Hengtrakool and Sermsakdi Sabhananda

Former Minister of Tourism & Sports Sontia Kunplume poses with friends Sansak Ngampichet and Drew Noyes and members of the Ngampichet family

The ceremony involved more than 100 monks, thousands of Buddha images, the linking of all 10,000 guests by string to share in the prayer for long life and merit making, and the smelting down of gold jewelry to make a Buddha image commemorating Sansak’s birthday. All leading Pattaya and Chonburi politicians, elected officials and business leaders who were able attended the huge ceremony.
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                                       AustCham Thailand All Chambers Sundowners

From left to right are Mr Matthew Baker; Managing Director of Octagon Media (Thailand) Ltd, Mr Mark Butters; Director of British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, Mr Frank Clovyn; President of Belgian-Luxemburg/Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mr Shane Torr; Preside

FOR the second time this year, AustCham Thailand invited all thirty Foreign Chambers and Business Associations to join its monthly business networking Sundowners at The Residence of Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel.
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                                   Amari welcomes the Ambassador of the Philippines

Khun Makoo Techasopon, Deputy General Manager, Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Mr. Simon Dell, Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms, H. E. AMBASSADOR ANTONIO V. RODRIGUEZ and his family, Khun Dhaninrat Klinhom, Director of PR

KHUN Makoo Techasopon, Deputy General Manager of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya, warmly welcomes the Ambassador of the Philippines, H. E. AMBASSADOR ANTONIO V. RODRIGUEZ and his family on his recent stay at the Executive Horizon Club in the new 5-Star Ocean Tower.
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                                                             US Navy League AGM

President Peter Thorand welcomes USS Patriot Captain Allen Abramson

THE United States Navy League (USNL) recently held their annual general meeting. The president, Mr. Bobby Brooke has retired after rendering excellent service to this active organisation. The incoming president Mr. Peter Thorand is supported by the new vice president Mr. Franz Mathew, with Mr Jimmy Butler remaining as secretary. Whenever an American Navy ship visits any of the port facilities in the greater Pattaya region, the local branch of the USNL is always at the fore of welcoming the sailors and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

New US navy League Executive, Secretary James Butler, President Peter Thorand, & Vice President Franz Mathew

More Grill Manager Kris & US Navy League president Peter Thorand say stay & enjoy to US Shiloh sailors

Leading officers of each ship are invited to an official reception when their ship arrives, and the Navy League makes sure that the visiting US sailors have an enjoyable time whilst in the Pattaya region whilst also doing charity work.
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                                                   Young race driver wins again

Asian touring car champion, our own Jack Lemvard

Bruno Pingel, Gunter & staff under pressure as the countdown commences

THE Bira International Racing Circuit was a perfect venue for testing the skills of a big field of Thailand’s top racing car drivers at the “True – Super Car,” which were the finals in the Asian Super Car series. One of Thailand’s youngest drivers, Jack Lemvard, who often records the fastest lap time, gained the number one position at the starting line, but was plagued in the last few events with mechanical failures. However, he was so far ahead in the overall points tally that he still managed to become the outright winner.
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                                              Chamber supports Lighthouse charity

May & Robert Watson Of 5-Star Villas & Condos, with Shenanigans manager Stewart Fraser

NZTCC president Cris Dunning welcomes Richard St. John of Fisher & Paykel Appliances

THE New Zealand Thai Chamber of Commerce lent their support to the Lighthouse Foundation (assistance for children of construction site workers), when they held a record charity raising meeting at the new Shenanigans Pub in Jomtien.

The Fisher & Paykel team, Karen & Nairn Henderson, M.D. Richard St. John, & Joom

The sponsors were Pattaya’s Five Star Villas & Condos company, plus the New Zealand “Fisher & Paykel” company which has been manufacturing The director of Five Star Villas & Condos, Mr. Robert Watson, was accompanied by his wife, May, who is the new President of the Real Estate Brokers Association - Eastern Seaboard (REBA-ES),
     The President of the New Zealand Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Cris Dunning, was delighted with the record attendance of close to 100 people, which was most likely due to the combination of the two business groups.