1. Art and Diseño

Over 13 years of Expats helping Expats
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February 2, 2015
Excursions Being Organized
Members often organize excursions which can be one day tours, overnighters, and
sometimes international travel. If any are being planned, they will be listed here.
Club Announcements
The latest announcements of interest to members and Expats living in Thailand
including any recent reports of interest from the Chonburi (Pattaya) Thai Immigration
Office
Upcoming Club Related & Special Events
A list of upcoming Club related and other events of special interest – for an overall
list of upcoming events in and around Pattaya, see the latest Club Newsletter
Information of Interest from the Open Forum and Other Sources
Information of interest is often announced by fellow expats at the Open Forum
session during the Club’s Sunday Meeting. Items of continuing interest are included
here until they are incorporated into the appropriate section of the Club’s website.
Upcoming Holidays
Public Holidays during the next month or two are listed. Main Bank branches and
Government Offices including Immigration will be closed.
Government Holidays 2015
These are the dates that Government Offices and Bank Branch Offices will be
closed – Source is Bank of Thailand
REMINDER: If you are not already a subscriber to the Club’s weekly Newsletter, to subscribe go to www.pcecclub.org and select
NEWSLETTER from the left hand column. Enter your email address in the box and click “subscribe.” You will receive an email so
you can “confirm” you want the newsletter. Once you confirm, you will be in our automated mailing list for receipt of the Newsletter.
February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
Excursions Being Organized
The following are announcements about any excursions being organized
by member(s) or others. Excursions are usually open to all, but Club
members may receive priority if space is only available for a limited
TRIP TO BANGKOK'S CHINA TOWN ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 & 28
There has been such a great response to the Chinatown trip that the organizers are adding a
second date for the trip: Saturday, Feb. 28.
Bangkok's Chinatown http://www.bangkok.com/chinatown/# has a history older than the city itself,
beginning around the year 800. Chinatown has served as the center of Bangkok's gold trade.
Lively markets, Taoist temples, Buddhist shrines, and thriving restaurants have helped create a
Chinatown that rivals Chinatown in San Francisco and New York. The culture is still strong there,
especially around Chinese New Year.
This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 19, 2015.
During the weeks before and after that date, Bangkok's
Chinatown will be at its most vibrant and colourful; brimming
with festive decorations. On Saturday, February 21, a tour
organized by Pat Koester will join in the celebration of the
Year of the Goat. Even if you've been to Chinatown before,
this will be a very unique experience.
In addition to walking the vibrant streets and exotic markets,
the group will visit the Chinese Heritage Museum, a
traditional Chinese pharmacy, the Temple of the Golden
Buddha (Wat Traimit) http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-temple/wat-raimit.htm# and other
Chinese temples, shrines and tea rooms along the way. They will continue their journey by boat
and will visit Chinese heritage sites along the Chao Phraya River and klongs of Thonburi.
The cost of 2,150 baht per person will include transportation, a delicious Chinese lunch, tea tasting
with sweets, entrance fees, and boat tour. The group will leave the Markland Hotel at 7:00 a.m.
and will return at approximately 7:00 p.m.
This tour will be limited to 20 people, and PCEC members will be given priority.
If you would like more information about this tour, please send an email to Pat at
[email protected] with the subject "Chinatown Tour." Please include your
full name, mobile phone number, and PCEC membership number.
February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
FEBRUARY 6 & 7 TRIP TO THE 'SWITZERLAND OF ISSAN'
This tour is now full. However, you can sign up for the stand-by list in case someone has to
cancel at the last minute. To get on the stand-by list, please send an email with the subject
“Switzerland tour stand-by” to [email protected].
The Wang Nam Khiao district of Korat province, north-east of the Khao Yai National Park, is
known as the "Switzerland of Issan" because of its mountains and cool climate, greenery and
beautiful
landscapes.
http://www.highlightthailand.com/main/detail_content/Wang-NamKeaw/242.html Pat Koester is planning a 2-day tour on Friday and Saturday, February 6 & 7, that
will feature attractions and in around Wang Nam Khiao as well as nearby Prachinburi Province.
On the first day, the group will visit the Chao Phraya
Abhaibhubate Hospital and Herbal Center. It is because of
this hospital that Prachinburi is perceived as a medical hub in
Thailand, especially with the local Thai people. Apart from
rendering traditional Thai healthcare, this place houses a
traditional Thai medicine museum to help visitors understand
Thai herbal wisdom and traditional healing. If you feel like
testing these Thai medicines and herbal products, you can
walk over to the herbal shop inside the hospital premises and
pick from an interesting array of herbal products.
http://www.thaizer.com/health/chao-phraya-abhaibhubejhrhospital-and-thai-traditional-medicine-museum-prachinburi/
Another highlight of the trip will be the GranMonte Vineyard, a family estate, located in Asoke
Valley, adjacent to Khao Yai National Park. Asoke Valley is known in Thailand for its beautiful
yellow blossom flowers that are special to the Khao Yai region. The Group will enjoy a vineyard
and winery tour in a comfortable tour trailer, followed by tasting of a wide range of their awardwinning wines accompanied by cheese and crackers. For non-wine drinkers, there will be grape
juice made from the Vineyard's premium quality grapes.
http://www.granmonte.com/about-estate.html
At the “Mister Mushroom Farm” the group will learn how mushrooms are grown, and will see
varieties of them such as Chinese Shitake and Ling Zhi, Japanese Yanagi, Bhutanese Oyster
mushrooms, Monkey’s head and many more. Also we can buy or taste them.
https://foursquare.com/v/mister-mushroom/4e463036227128e1e8c7ee4a/photos
Along the way there will be farms, villages, a silk center and many other interesting places.
http://www.discoverythailand.com/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Pak_Thong_Chai_Silk_Village.asp
The cost of the trip, including hotel accommodation (double occupancy), transportation, 2
lunches, 1 dinner, breakfast at the hotel, all entrance fees, and wine tasting, is 5,700 baht per
person. If you want a single room, there will be an additional 1,500 baht charge.
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February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
Club Announcements
PATTAYA IMMIGRATION - LATEST INFORMATION ON 90 DAY ADDRESS
REPORTING
We recently received reports that Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration had gone back to their
old method (reporting form plus copies of documents) for 90 day reporting. Since then, we
have received several reports that they are still using the computer and accepting the bar
coded form with no additional documents required.
Note: If you do not already have the bar coded form stapled in your passport from your last report,
you will need to complete the reporting form - they may wish to see a copy of a recent bill or other
document with your address on it - information from your passport and document showing
address will be used to enter data into the computer then returned to you with a printed bar coded
report to be used next time.
GIFT BASKETS TO BE RAFFLED TO BENEFIT CHARITY
The Club has been Donated 3 Gift Baskets for our use. The
to hold raffle's for these baskets with the funds raised to
charitable organizations. Raffle tickets to be available
February 8 and on sale 4 to 6 weeks. More details
Newsletter(s).
Board decided
be donated to
beginning on
in upcoming
NEW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP – IRA’S TABLE TENNIS PING PONG GROUP
The Group meets each Tuesday at the Markland, Soi one, Beach road, Level
5 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
They have two tables. All level of players are welcome. Lessons upon
request. Singles and double play. Organizer Ira says, “We just have fun.”
For more information contact Ira by email [email protected] or telephone 061-736- 5514.
February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
HIPPOPOTAMUS GRILL RESTAURANT OFFERS MEMBERS A 20% DISCOUNT
Steaks and burgers and much more at the Hippopotamus Grill, located on
the 6th floor of Central Festival Shopping Mall.Reports from fellow
members are that it has excellent food and is well worth a try. Read the
Pattaya People review by clicking here.
Visit their Face Book page by clicking here – be prepared for some
mouthwatering photos of their food.
Hippopotamus is open every day from 11am to 10pm.
DEVINE WINE CLUB – FRENCH WINE DINNER ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
"European Winery of the Year" French Wine Dinner is a great opportunity for
French wine lovers to indulge in excellent GéBertrand wines which are
personal, rich and profound expressions of the terroirs of Languedoc
Roussillon. Valued members are invited to experience an enviable treasure
trove of fine wines from the single biggest wine producing region in Southern
France. The evening will commence at the Lobby Bar of the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel at 18:30 hrs.
Dinner will be served at 19:15 p.m. Dress: Smart Formal. The price is 2,500++ Baht for members
and 2,700++ for non-members. For reservations: MR. KIRSTEN, Telephone 038 250 421 ext.
2782 or email E: [email protected].
Mr. Ron Batori, President of Bangkok Beer and Beverage, will be the wine specialist for the
evening. Mr. Batori was a co-founder of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and has
subsequently joined the International Distillers and Vintners in Napa Valley as the Vice President
of Market Development for three leading California Wineries.
BANGKOK'S MEGA MALL AND IKEA TRIP – SIGN UP TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
It is a popular destination in Bangkok; for both shopping and
eating. The Mall is also the location for the IKEA store. A great
place for this one day trip. Click Here for more information.
The van roundtrip from Pattaya charges 2,500 Baht and will
hold 10 passengers. A trip is scheduled for a Wednesday when
there are 7 to 10 people signed up. The van charge is prorated
among the passengers going on the trip. A deposit will be
required on the Sunday before the trip is scheduled to leave
the Markland. It will leave the Markland at 10: 30am, arrive at the Mega Mall at about noon, and
return at 4:00pm to be back to the Markland at about 5:30pm.
Please list your name and the number in your party on the Mega Mall & IKEA sign-up sheet at the
Sunday meeting. We will notify you when we have 10 people signed up, or an adjusted higher
charge per person has made the trip possible. For more information, contact Richard Smith at
089-244-9523 or by email at [email protected].
February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOK OUT FOR INTERESTING SPEAKERS
The Club’s needs your assistance in finding interesting speakers for the Club’s
Sunday meetings. This can sometimes be a daunting task as we have 52
meetings a year. If you know of someone with an interesting topic, please let us
know along with how to contact them. If you don’t know a particular speaker,
but have a topic you think will be interesting, then pass it on; we will then try to
find a knowledgeable speaker for the topic. To make suggestions for speakers
or topics, please email Lawrie McLoughlin at [email protected] or
[email protected].
THE CLUB HAS A GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY AVAILABLE
The Club offers a Group Health Insurance Policy. Khun Neng is the broker for
this AXA insurance policy which is available up to age 65 at the regular premium
of 29,320 Baht per year. NEW! Khun Neng advises that he can now enroll
members who are from 66 to 70 years of age for a slightly higher premium. For
Plan 1, the first year premium will be 33,626 Baht. If there is no claim that first
year, the renewal premium will be the same as for all enrollees – currently 29,320 Baht per year.
Under the Group policy, you can renew up to age 75. Once you are 76, you can carry on with an
individual policy till at least age 80 and higher but with conditions. For more information, see Khun
Neng at the Sunday meeting (he is usually there by 11:30am) and premiums for the AXA policy is
available on our Group Health Insurance webpage (in process of being updated for latest
premium and age information). To telephone Khun Neng:
084-003-6030 or email
[email protected]. Office hours: Mon-Sat (10.00 AM. – 18.00 PM.)
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February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
Upcoming Special & Club Events
CLUB RELATED EVENTS
DRIVING LICENSE ASSISTANCE TRIP IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 4
Member Hans (Jon) Stroosnyder will escort and assist those interested in
getting a Thai driving license. Hans usually departs at 9am from The
Tavern by the Sea restaurant (Club’s Sunday meeting place) on the 1st
Wednesday of the month. Call Hans at 085-218-1773, or email him at
[email protected] to confirm the trip and let him know you plan to
go. See the Driving License page on the Club’s website for information on the process and the
documents needed.
THE NEXT ANDROID SMARTPHONE CLASS WITH HOWARD POSENER WILL
BE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
It will take place at 2pm in Room 2403 of the Markland. Howard who is
now using a Samsung Note 4, will discuss it and his reasons for buying it
over other smart phones currently available. In the process he will also talk
about the smart phones he did not buy and why, plus comments about
several smart phones to soon be announced. He will also present details of
several amazing new Apps and technological developments you may be
interested in.
His demonstrations will be shown on a large projector screen with excellent clarity enabling the those
attending to understand and make note of the information they are interested in. A video of the meeting will
be available. Howard's knowledge of the Samsung and other Smart phones results from his interest in and
constant review of Smart phones- the Group is fortunate to have his amazing knowledge available to them.
Please list your name on the sign-up sheet - attendance is limited to 17 people due to the size of the room your reservation will be acknowledged by email. There is no fee for the class, but a donation of 150 baht per
person will be requested at the meeting to be given to the Mercy Center and/or the Pattaya Orphanage.
If you need further information about the class, please contact Howard Posener by email
at [email protected].
If you need directions to Markland room 2403 please
email [email protected].
February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
MAGIC HOWARD IS BACK AT THE MANTRA EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Long Time Club member Magic Howard Posener is returning to the Amari’s
Mantra Restaurant on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9pm, You can be
entertained by his clever magic tricks and worry that you still have your watch
- and hear the explosive laughter from each table as he moves around the
restaurant.
He has promised new and more amazing tricks to entertain you each
Wednesday night – so come to the Mantra this Wednesday evening, have a
good meal, and enjoy entertaining magic. Remember, show your PCEC
membership Card and Mantra gives you a 20% discount on the food and
drink order. More info about Howard at www.magichoward.com
EVENTS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
FEBRUARY 8, SUNDAY – BANGKOK THEATRE HOLDING AUDITIONS
Bangkok Community Theatre announces auditions for "Jack and the
Beanstalk." Mid-May performances are planned. To be held at Bistro 33
restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 33 in Bangkok. If you are interested in
possibly auditioning or in helping out behind the scenes, please email
[email protected] with your name and contact details. They will get back
to you with information about the roles, audition times, backstage needs, etc. For more information
please call 081-869-1104, email [email protected] or visit the BCT website by clicking here.
THREE MOZART SONATAS FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO AT EELSWAMP ON FEBRUARY 14
The concert begins at 5pm and features Leo Phillips on
Violin and Hiroko Takemura on Piano. Leo and Hiroko
play lay three Mozart violin sonatas.
Leo is well known to the Pattaya audience for his role as
concert master and soloist with the Pro Musica Orchestra.
He led the Orchestra in the Pro Musica Mozart concert at
Siam Bayshore on July 12th last year and performed as a
soloist in Bach's double violin concerto in a recent all-Bach
Pro Musica Concert.
A native of Japan, Hiroko has performed extensively as a chamber musician, as a vocal
accompanist, and as soloist both in recital and in concerto performances, including an appearance
with The Telemann Chamber orchestra in Osaka. Hiroko has performed many recitals with Leo
Phillips in Japan, this will be her first in Thailand.
For more information, visit: http://eelswamp.blogspot.com/2014/12/leo-and-hiroko-playmozart.html. Reservations: 1,000 baht per person. Email [email protected] or call 038069-681 during office hours. Due to limited number of places payment must be received before the
day of performance. Directions to Eelswamp: can be found at
http://eelswamp.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-music-room-at-eelswamp.html.
February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
PILC EVENING OF CHAMPAGNE, BEER, AND NIBBLES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
This event will take place at Kandy’s Wine and Tapas Bar located on top of Indian by
Nature Restaurant beginning at 7pm. The cost is 900 Baht per person and includes
free flow prosecco between 7-9pm. Free-flow of 1 type cocktail from cocktail menu
(Kandy’s suggests their special Rhino Chariot) and Free-flow Singha beer. Canapes
from 7-8pm (a selection from Kandy’s "Nibbles" Menu! (Premium Olives marinated
and Premium Nuts mixed in their kitchen). DJ for the evening.
Please make your reservation at [email protected]. The invitation is for husbands and
significant others also. The more the merrier!
PILC CATAMARAN DAY TRIP ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
The price per person is 2,600 Baht which includes catamaran day tour, lunch (BBQ
+ Thai food), soft drinks and fruits, use of towels, snorkeling sets and fishing rods ,
round trip transfer.
The departure will be from Ocean Marina at 9:30am with visit to the islands of Koh
Khram, Koh Rin or Koh Pai, lunch at noon, and then swimming, sun bathing, snorkelling, and
fishing in the afternoon. Returning to Ocean Marina at 4pm.
For more information, email: [email protected]
PATTAYA PLAYERS PRESENTS DAVID HARTNELL ON SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 28
David is a media personality from New Zealand. He’s not only spent a lifetime
reporting on Hollywood trivia, gossip and scandal’s about the rich and famous,
but counts many international stars among his lifelong friends.
His entertaining evenings have all the outrageous juicy facts and answers
about your favorite celebrities. For details, click here.
There will be someone from Pattaya Players at the Sunday meeting with tickets –
500 Baht per person; includes buffet dinner.
February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
ANDREY GUGNIN RETURNS TO EELSWAMP ON FEBRUARY 28
AND MARCH 3 (This is a change in schedule)
Since thrilling Eelswamp’s audience last year, Andrey went on to win the Gina
Bachauer competition, one of the most prestigious competitions in the United
States. A few months later he came equal first in a major competition in Italy:
fair recognition for a great artist.
Andrey will perform two programs:
1. The Liszt Transcendental Etudes on Saturday February28th at 5pm.
Tickets 1,200 baht for either performance.
2. All Brahms program on 3rd March with a solo performance of Brahms
"Handel Variations" followed by a performance of Brahms's mighty Piano Quintet in F
minor. Andrey will be joined by Tasana Nagavajara and three other members of Pro
Musica. The price for the Brahms program will be 1,500 baht.
See the blog for further details:
http://eelswamp.blogspot.com/2015/01/gugnin-returns-to-eelswamp.html
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February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
During Public Holidays, main Bank branches and Government Offices, including
Immigration, will be closed. Also, for religious Holidays and their Majesties Birthdays,
there may be a prohibition on the sale of alcohol (hotels are usually exempt); consequently
some entertainment venues may be closed.
Wednesday, 4 March - Makha Bucha Day
(major Religious Holiday – sale of alcohol may
be banned by some localities)
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February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
Information of Interest from the Open Forum and Other Sources
RAPID WEIGHT LOSS DIET THAT WORKS -- One of our members announced that he lost 13
kilos in 2 weeks using the Fat Burning Soup diet recommended by Dr. Iian Corness. The diet can
be found at this link: http://www.pattayamail.com/modernmedicine/cardiac-unit-diet-fast-weightloss-9805
DO YOU HAVE A YAHOO OR HOTMAIL EMAIL ACCOUNT – CONSIDER CHANGING YOUR
PASSWORD FAIRLY OFTEN – We continue to receive emails at the Club’s email addresses that
are not legitimate. They are primarily from those that have yahoo or hotmail email accounts. There
is no subject shown and the text consists only of a link to an internet site (which may contain a
virus or malware if you go to the linked website). The address line usually has several addresses
in alphabetical order coming from the email account holder’s address/contacts book. In May 2011,
we posted an alert in the Newsletter and an article on the website warning about the hacking of
email accounts – click here to read the article.
WEBSITE FOR US CITIZENS/RESIDENTS RESIDING OUTSIDE USA TO VIEW TV
PROGRAMS IN USA – “USTV Now” provides regular TV programming from the USA over the
Internet free of charge. They require that you register by confirming you are a US Citizen or
Resident currently residing outside of the USA and then providing your email address and a
password you want to use. Go to http://www.ustvnow.com/index.php and click on the Sign Up for
Free button – the registration process is self explanatory. After you are registered, you can go the
same URL and Log in with your email address and password. They do offer some cable channels
and other services for a fee; but most broadcast programs are available, e.g., ABC, CBS, NBC,
Fox, and others.
ANNUAL CAR REGISTRATION IN PATTAYA – Many car owners trek to the Land Transport
Office off of Highway 36 to pay their annual tax and get a current “sticker” to place on their
windshield (windscreen). But, it isn’t necessary. Every Saturday from 10am to 4pm, they have staff
available at Big C South (Sukhumvit Road) to do the registration. They are on the 2 nd floor near
Customer Service counter. But, if your car is 7 or more years old, you will need to have it
inspected before you can register it at Big C or the Land Transport Office. This can be done on
Sukhumvit Road about 200 meters north of Pattaya Orphanage. This establishment will also
handle the annual registration for you – pick up the registration and new sticker a couple of days
later. If anyone can provide the name or better directions to its location, please email this
information to: [email protected].
THAILAND HOUSE PLANS AVAILABLE ONLINE – At a recent meeting, it was announced that
there were websites where house plans for Thailand can be downloaded for free. The following
links
were
subsequently
provided
for
publication
in
the
Newsletter:
:
www.crossy.co.uk/Thai_House_Plans/,
www.docstoc.com,
www.cad-design-draftingservices.com, www.coolthaihouse.com, and www.plancivil.com
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February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB
Government Holidays in Thailand 2015
The source of the information is from the website of the Bank of Thailand, which lists all public
holidays when main bank branches and government offices will be closed. Note, although Bank
Branch offices are closed, the bank counters in the major shopping centers may be open.
1. Thursday
1 January
New Year’s Day
2. Friday
2 January
Special Holiday
3. Wednesday 4 March
Makha Bucha Day
4. Monday
6 April
Chakri Day
5. Monday
13 April
Songkran Festival
6. Tuesday
14 April
Songkran Festival
7. Wednesday 15 April
Songkran Festival
8. Friday
1 May
National Labour Day
9. Tuesday
5 May
Coronation Day
1 June
Wisakha Bucha Day
10. Monday
11. Wednesday 1 July
Mid Year Closing Day
12. Thursday
Asarnha Bucha Day 1/
30 July
13. Wednesday 12 August
H.M. the Queen’s Birthday
14. Friday
23 October
Chulalongkorn Day
15. Monday
7 December
Substitution for H.M. the King's
Birthday
(Saturday 5 December)
16. Thursday
10 December
Constitution Day
17. Thursday
31 December
New Year’s Eve
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February 2, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB