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- Pattaya Retirees: Lucas Vanlaar“Between a rock and a hard place” PATTAYA, Thailand – At 76, Australian retiree Luke Vanlaar (born in Holland) has been settled in Jomtien just over a year. Philosophical by nature, he takes the trials and tribulations of his past with resignation and acceptance. Just over 10 years ago, he met the Thai girl of […]
Lucas Vanlaar has received some hard knocks in Thailand, but remains a firm fan of the country. “Between a rock and a hard place”
PATTAYA, Thailand – At 76, Australian retiree Luke Vanlaar (born in Holland) has been settled in Jomtien just over a year. Philosophical by nature, he takes the trials and tribulations of his past with resignation and acceptance. Just over 10 years ago, he met the Thai girl of his dreams, got married and went to live in Bangkok in a spacious residence shared with her seemingly affluent mum.
At first everything went swimmingly, then the warning signs appeared. Mum said she had a bad debt of one million baht with a Chinese loan shark which, of course, Luke paid off. Then came the total renovation to the Bangkok residence, the total hit to his pocket being around 7 million baht over the next few years. The finale came in 2023 when the Thai wife announced Luke was too old to be married to her as she conducted an affair with a Thai boyfriend she had known since the age of 18. The final straw was the death of his much-loved young Thai stepdaughter when Luke wasn’t even invited to the cremation ceremony. The following day he left for Jomtien.
Luke, once a highly successful businessman with a golden salary according to his Linkedin contribution, now survives on 30,000 baht a month (less than US$1,000) after he has paid for modest accommodation and regular hospital payments for a stress-induced, second heart attack earlier this year. Luke’s story, of course, isn’t novel yet he remains cool and collected about his past choices. “You have to go with the flow,” he says, “and I must take some responsibility for a failed marriage.” This was actually his second marriage, the first being in Australia and enduring for 34 years before the final parting.
So why are Jomtien and Pattaya the final residential result? “It’s all the little things which make life here comfortable even if you are on a low budget,” he says. “Great choice of restaurants, friendly people, lots of young women and, in my view, a much smoother immigration service than in Bangkok.” Luke is a serious motorbike rider and gets round the area much more comfortably than those of us with a reliance on four wheels.
He doesn’t feel the need to join expat clubs or fill in the mornings playing golf. Here’s a guy content with his own company at least some of the time. Having suffered two heart attacks in this decade, he follows the DEAD proposition: Diet, Exercise, (No) Alcohol, (No) Drugs (aspirin OK). Asked if he’s not just a little disappointed with the last 10 years of Thailand, Luke replies, “No, it’s the slings and arrows of life and, in my mid 70s, I find Thailand grows on me day by day.”
25 April 25 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459102 - Stranded dolphin prompts urgent rescue efforts off Sattahip coastSATTAHIP, Thailand – A sea rescue team mobilized to investigate the waters near Koh Phra Island, adjacent to the pier of the Sattahip Naval Base, early morning on April 24 after residents reported spotting a stranded dolphin close to shore. The mammal, approximately 1.8 meters in length, appeared to have strayed from its pod and […]
A Rescue team in an inflatable boat gets as close as possible to assess the distressed dolphin’s condition off the coast of Sattahip, sparking urgent efforts to ensure its safety. SATTAHIP, Thailand – A sea rescue team mobilized to investigate the waters near Koh Phra Island, adjacent to the pier of the Sattahip Naval Base, early morning on April 24 after residents reported spotting a stranded dolphin close to shore. The mammal, approximately 1.8 meters in length, appeared to have strayed from its pod and displayed signs of injury, sparking fears for its survival if not promptly assisted. Heightened anxiety was fuelled by the frequent passage of military and local fishing vessels through the area, potentially posing a threat to the distressed marine mammal.
Pichit Kleakuthan, head of the rescue team, disclosed that naval personnel on duty within the Sattahip Naval Base had observed the dolphin’s prolonged presence above water, indicating distress. Rescue inflatable boats were dispatched to assess the situation and provide immediate aid. However, the dolphin exhibited signs of fear upon approaching humans or boats, evading capture by diving underwater.
Naval personnel and conservation officials coordinate efforts to monitor and assess the distressed dolphin’s condition amidst heightened concerns for its well-being. Wuthipong Wongin, Director of Marine Resource Conservation Division 2 at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, confirmed that conservation officials, along with a veterinary team from the Eastern Gulf of Thailand Research and Development Center, were mobilized to conduct further assessments. Plans for rescue and treatment will be enacted promptly if the dolphin is found to be injured or unwell.
Initial photo assessments suggest that the dolphin may belong to the rough-toothed whale family. Coordinated efforts between naval personnel and local fishermen have been initiated to monitor the distressed marine mammal. As the dolphin remains actively swimming within the monitored area, continued vigilance and prompt response are warranted to ensure its well-being.
25 April 25 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459077 - Mystical Naga tree bestows fortune on east Pattaya devoteesPATTAYA, Thailand – In a quiet corner of Soi Khao Talo, Tum Yum Work Shop Restaurant has become an unexpected attraction after the discovery of a bizarre phenomenon: a banana tree bearing a striking resemblance to the mythical Naga serpent. Owned by Ekachai Booncharoen, a firm believer in Naga mythology, Tum Yum Work Shop is […]
Ekachai Booncharoen, owner of the restaurant, points to a banana cluster remarkably resembling the revered Naga serpent emerging from an ordinary tree at the rear of his eatery. PATTAYA, Thailand – In a quiet corner of Soi Khao Talo, Tum Yum Work Shop Restaurant has become an unexpected attraction after the discovery of a bizarre phenomenon: a banana tree bearing a striking resemblance to the mythical Naga serpent.
Owned by Ekachai Booncharoen, a firm believer in Naga mythology, Tum Yum Work Shop is renowned for its Northeastern Thai cuisine and diverse array of salads. However, it is the mystical encounter within the shop’s backyard that has piqued the interest of locals and visitors alike.
Many people have come to pay homage to the mystical banana tree, offering prayers and seeking blessings. Some attribute their lottery winnings to the benevolent presence of the Naga, affirming their unwavering faith in its mystical powers. Upon hearing of this extraordinary occurrence, our news team embarked on a journey to witness the spectacle firsthand. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Soi Khao Ta Lo in east Pattaya, we were greeted by two grand Naga sculptures standing sentinel in the heart of the eatery.
Accompanied by Ekachai, we ventured to the rear of the shop, where an ordinary banana tree stood. However, amidst the lush foliage, a banana cluster had emerged from the trunk, bearing an astonishing resemblance to the features of the revered Naga serpent.
According to Ekachai, the discovery was made upon his return from a spiritual pilgrimage in Ubon Ratchathani Province. To him and his devout wife, the sighting was a divine sign, symbolizing fortune bestowed upon them by the Naga. This belief is reinforced by the blessings and successes experienced by patrons of the shop since the installation of the Naga sculptures.Over the past ten months, Tum Yum Work Shop has become a sanctuary for believers seeking divine intervention. Many pay homage to the mystical banana tree, offering prayers and seeking blessings. Some attribute their lottery winnings to the benevolent presence of the Naga, affirming their unwavering faith in its mystical powers.
25 April 25 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459080 - Durian prices surge amidst high demand from Chinese marketPATTAYA, Thailand – Durian lovers in Thailand face disappointment as the price of the “king of fruits” skyrockets this year, driven by fierce competition for export-grade durians, particularly from the lucrative Chinese market. The spike in durian prices can be attributed to delayed harvests caused by cold weather in provinces like Trat, Chanthaburi, and Rayong, […]
Durian enthusiasts are dismayed by the soaring prices of the beloved ‘king of fruits’ amid intense competition for export-grade durians, notably from the lucrative Chinese market. PATTAYA, Thailand – Durian lovers in Thailand face disappointment as the price of the “king of fruits” skyrockets this year, driven by fierce competition for export-grade durians, particularly from the lucrative Chinese market.
The spike in durian prices can be attributed to delayed harvests caused by cold weather in provinces like Trat, Chanthaburi, and Rayong, resulting in a one-month delay compared to last year. Furthermore, intensified competition between Chinese and Thai traders for durians directly from orchards has exacerbated the situation, fuelled by growing demand from both Thai and foreign fruit lovers, especially the Chinese.
Mr. Dawut, owner of Ban Chan Durian Shop in South Pattaya, disclosed that this year’s prices are 20-30% higher than last year, with beautiful-sized durians fetching 199 baht per kilogram compared to 159 baht previously. Moreover, Thai durians earmarked for the East Asian market now constitute 70% of exports, predominantly Grade A-C durians, leaving only 30% for the domestic market. This shift has further contributed to the price surge in 2024.
Chinese tourists eagerly select premium durians during their shopping spree at Ban Chen Durian Shop in South Pattaya, amid soaring prices driven by heightened demand for export-grade durians. Despite the perception that domestically sold durians are inferior, Mr. Dawut assures consumers that Thai durians are of excellent quality, often larger and with better flesh. To incentivize purchases during this period of abundance, Ban Chan Durian Shop is offering discounts and organizing a Durian Eating Competition, aiming to boost sales and promote tourism in the region.
Interested lovers of the aromatic fruit can register for the competition until April 27, with the winner receiving a cash prize of 5,000 baht. Even participants who do not win will enjoy a free durian buffet. For more details, visit the Ban Chan Durian Shop Pattaya South Facebook page.
25 April 25 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459079 - International students lauded at ASEAN Education Center graduation ceremony in PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – The HHN Learning Center, in collaboration with the ASEAN Education Center, held its annual graduation ceremony for the academic year 2023 on April 23. The ceremony recognized the achievements of international students who completed their primary education at the center. Among the six students honoured were Sawwin Sukhwinai from Myanmar, Tawee Thay, […]
Watched over by Hubert Grevenkamp, international students, Sawwin Sukhwinai, Tawee Thay, Sialeak Chantha, Kimsai Chang, Sujia Tat, and James Tat, proudly hold their certificates of completion, marking the culmination of their primary education journey at HHN Learning Center. PATTAYA, Thailand – The HHN Learning Center, in collaboration with the ASEAN Education Center, held its annual graduation ceremony for the academic year 2023 on April 23. The ceremony recognized the achievements of international students who completed their primary education at the center. Among the six students honoured were Sawwin Sukhwinai from Myanmar, Tawee Thay, Sialeak Chantha, Kimsai Chang, Sujia Tat, and James Tat from Cambodia.
While these six students were acknowledged during the graduation ceremony, many others are currently studying at the center. The HHN Foundation for Thai Children plans to hold a separate diploma ceremony to recognize their achievements and contribute to reducing social gaps and inequalities in the community.
Wiboon Prommoon, Director of the Chonburi Education Center, is joined by esteemed guests and supporters, including Ratchada Chomjinda, Siromes Akkrapongpanit, Pirun Noiimjai, Hans Günther Müller, and Hubert Grevenkamp, alongside teachers and staff. Ratchada Chomjinda, Director of the Foundation expressed concerns about the vulnerability of children in Pattaya, especially those from Cambodia and Myanmar, who may be at risk of exploitation, including sex trafficking, forced labour, and begging. Prioritizing education for these children is crucial in addressing the root causes of such social issues.
Ratchada said, “The initiative not only highlights the importance of education but also underscores the centre’s commitment to providing opportunities for vulnerable children, empowering them to build a brighter future free from exploitation and inequality.”
Ms. Wiboon Prommoon, Director of the Chonburi Education Center, presided over the ceremony, alongside distinguished guests including Ratchada Chomjinda, Director of the Foundation, Siromes Akkrapongpanit, Deputy Director, Pirun Noi-imjai, Director of the ASEAN Education Center, and supporters of the foundation’s projects Hans Günther Müller and Hubert Grevenkamp. Teachers, staff, and international students also attended the event.
25 April 25 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459068 - Post-Songkran car care services thrive amidst cleanup demandPATTAYA, Thailand – Following the Songkran Festival celebrations, car care services offering washing, compression, and spraying have emerged as lucrative ventures in various regions, where vehicles were left splashed with white powder and various forms of dirt. Throughout the festivities, vehicle owners found it challenging to address their cleaning needs as many car care centres […]
Car care professionals meticulously clean vehicles and motorbikes post-Songkran, removing remnants of white powder and coloured substances, as demand surged following the festive celebrations in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – Following the Songkran Festival celebrations, car care services offering washing, compression, and spraying have emerged as lucrative ventures in various regions, where vehicles were left splashed with white powder and various forms of dirt.
Throughout the festivities, vehicle owners found it challenging to address their cleaning needs as many car care centres opted to close their doors. However, as the festivities concluded, a surge in demand for car and motorcycle cleaning services was observed.
Anan Kaenprathup, manager of Ano Car Wash located in Soi Khao Talo, east Pattaya, reported a significant influx of customers seeking cleaning services after the Pattaya Songkran Festival. This surge in demand translated into substantial revenue for his car care business.
With vehicles left covered in remnants of the festival’s revelry, including white powder and coloured substances, car care services experienced heightened demand for their expertise in restoring vehicles to their pre-celebration state.
25 April 25 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459067 - Live grenade and bullets discovered in Pattaya neighbourhoodPATTAYA, Thailand – A fully functional hand grenade, type M26, was discovered in the neighbourhood of Wat Boon Sampan (Soi Khao Noi) in east Pattaya on April 22, sparking immediate action from police explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel. A local security guard, Pratum Chomsuwat, 73, stumbled upon the grenade near a single-story cement house while […]
EOD safely secures a live grenade and a black aluminium box containing two 9mm gun bullets found near a single-story cement house in the neighborhood of Wat Boon Sampan in east Pattaya. The precautionary measure included placing a rubber tire around the potentially dangerous weapons. PATTAYA, Thailand – A fully functional hand grenade, type M26, was discovered in the neighbourhood of Wat Boon Sampan (Soi Khao Noi) in east Pattaya on April 22, sparking immediate action from police explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel.
A local security guard, Pratum Chomsuwat, 73, stumbled upon the grenade near a single-story cement house while cleaning the vicinity with a grass trimmer. Wrapped in cleaning cloth commonly used for vehicles, the grenade was found alongside a black aluminium box containing two 9mm gun bullets. Police officers swiftly cordoned off the area within a 200-meter radius of the bomb and awaited the arrival of EOD specialists to assess and dispose of the explosive device.
EOD officials confirmed the hand grenade to be fully functional and intended for fragmentation warfare. Evidence suggested deliberate concealment before its discovery by local residents. The recovered grenade and bullets were documented as evidence at Nongprue Police Station pending further investigation.
A series of photos show the grenade and a black aluminium box containing two 9mm gun bullets as EOD personnel inspect and remove the live bomb, alleviating the scare in the Pattaya neighbourhood. Preliminary suspicions point towards involvement by local teenagers, although authorities have not ruled out other possibilities. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the explosive device and the motives behind its placement in the residential area.
25 April 25 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459066 - Pattaya launches youth camp instilling moral values in Muslim youthPATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet inaugurated a youth camp on April 22 aimed at instilling moral and ethical values within the Muslim community in the Pattaya region for this summer. Held at the Hidayatussaligeen Mosque on Sukhumvit Road, the event gathered key city officials and local Muslim leaders. Mayor Poramet spoke to the children, […]
Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet engages with young Muslim children, during the launch of a youth camp dedicated to fostering moral and ethical principles within the Muslim community in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet inaugurated a youth camp on April 22 aimed at instilling moral and ethical values within the Muslim community in the Pattaya region for this summer. Held at the Hidayatussaligeen Mosque on Sukhumvit Road, the event gathered key city officials and local Muslim leaders.
Mayor Poramet spoke to the children, saying, “In an age of technological advancement and cultural exchange, traditional values, especially within Islamic communities influenced by Western culture, face challenges, leading to heightened ethical dilemmas. To tackle these issues, the Religious, Arts, and Cultural Promotion Division of the Pattaya Education Bureau has initiated a summer youth camp especially for you from April 22 to 24.”
The camp’s objective is to impart fundamental Islamic teachings, promote a lifestyle aligned with Islamic values, and foster solidarity among participants. Activities include knowledge exchange, empathy-building exercises, and community support initiatives, aiming to cultivate unity among Pattaya’s Muslim youth.
The camp equips attendees with practical tools to integrate Islamic teachings into their daily lives, empowering them to make positive contributions to society. By providing a constructive outlet for Muslim youth during the school break, the camp not only eases parental burdens but also offers valuable educational experiences. Pattaya aims to nurture a generation of spiritually grounded Muslim youth actively involved in community betterment through initiatives like this camp.
25 April 25 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459060 - Pattaya begins replacing 1,000 lamps in Central-Sukhumvit Road underpassPATTAYA, Thailand – The Central-Sukhumvit Road underpass in Pattaya has been plunged into semi darkness as hundreds of lighting fixtures have burnt out, prompting urgent action from city officials to address safety concerns. Efforts to rectify the situation have seen the successful replacement of 600 bulbs within the tunnel. However, recognizing the deficiency in illumination, […]
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and officials from the Pattaya Traffic and Land Transportation department conduct an onsite inspection to oversee the replacement progress. For safety, one traffic lane is closed at a time. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Central-Sukhumvit Road underpass in Pattaya has been plunged into semi darkness as hundreds of lighting fixtures have burnt out, prompting urgent action from city officials to address safety concerns.
Efforts to rectify the situation have seen the successful replacement of 600 bulbs within the tunnel. However, recognizing the deficiency in illumination, additional funds have been allocated to replace a total of 1,000 bulbs throughout the Pattaya tunnel network.
To improve operational efficiency and reduce negative environmental impact, the city has opted to transition to LED lighting technology, replacing traditional Halide bulbs. LED bulbs, known for their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements, are expected to yield cost savings and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Workers replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LED lamps in the Central-Sukhumvit Road underpass, marking a significant upgrade in Pattaya’s infrastructure. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, accompanied by officials from the Pattaya Traffic and Land Transportation department, conducted an onsite inspection on April 22 to assess the progress of the replacement efforts. To ensure the safety of both workers and motorists, one traffic lane was closed at a time during the inspection.
25 April 25 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459059 - Fire rekindles at Rayong chemical storage facilityFollowing a fire at a chemical storage warehouse in Rayong province which erupted two days ago, the firefighting team has revised their fire suppression plan after some fire spots rekindled. Backhoe trucks have used to scoop soil to smother the flames at the chemical storage warehouse of Win Process Co., Ltd., in Baan Khai district […]
The district chief, Thotsaphon Borwornmote disclosed that water spray proved ineffective as certain chemicals cannot be extinguished with water, therefore, soil or sand covering is necessary. Foam suppression is no longer required. Following a fire at a chemical storage warehouse in Rayong province which erupted two days ago, the firefighting team has revised their fire suppression plan after some fire spots rekindled.
Backhoe trucks have used to scoop soil to smother the flames at the chemical storage warehouse of Win Process Co., Ltd., in Baan Khai district as some areas remain smoldering, and fire spots have reignited intermittently.
The district chief, Thotsaphon Borwornmote disclosed that water spray proved ineffective as certain chemicals cannot be extinguished with water. Therefore, soil or sand covering is necessary. Foam suppression is no longer required.Four fire trucks are deployed, aiming for the quickest resolution, especially after concerns from Rayong governor about prolonged impact on the community.
Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharawat Wongsuwan instructed the Pollution Control Department to inspect the air quality in the area within a range of 300 meters to 10 kilometers. He said the initial inspection found no dangerous chemicals or hazardous air conditions, posing harm to local residents. (TNA)
25 April 25 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=459010