FOR THE 7 DAYS ENDING JULY 31ST 2007
Click link below to go to that item or scroll down for full report
PATTAYA THAILAND
FOR THE 7 DAYS ENDING JULY 31ST
2007
Click link below to go to that item or scroll down
for full report
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FEATURES
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Text by Nikki Phanichkarn tatnews.org/special_interest
The Akha constitute the biggest hill tribe in Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, and probably originate from the Sipsongpanna (Xishuangbana) region of Yunnan province in Southern China. Over the centuries, the tribe migrated southwards from its original homeland in several waves and settled in the mountainous region of the Golden Triangle, a largely inaccessible region that is one of Asia’s last wild frontiers. It straddles three countries: Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. In their new home, Akha tribal communities continue to observe ancient rituals and folk celebrations in accordance with ancient traditions and the Akha way — a ‘code’ that governs all aspects of Akha life. The two dominant landmarks and symbols in any Akha village are the sacred gates that mark the entrance and exit, and the ceremonial swing constructed on the first day of the annual Swing Ceremony.
The Akha are animists and have a well-established tradition of ancestor worship. It is believed that once Akha elders have passed on into the spiritual world, they take on the role of guardian spirits who watch over the village and oversee the welfare and wellbeing of their living relatives, providing an abundance of rice and crops and items needed to perpetuate the family lineage.
The annual swing ceremony is also a ‘rite of passage’ marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Continuity being a central element of Akha culture and tradition, every step of the ritual is performed in accordance with the Akha way — a ‘code’ that governs all aspects of Akha life. These include sets of beliefs, practices, customs and traditions that have been committed to memory and passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth — the only way of preserving the past in a culture with no written history. Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. |
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PATTAYA EVENTS
"All
of the events that are organized either by the Pattaya Gay
Festival directly or its members help to generate much
needed funds for charity work around Pattaya. Although other
charities are eligible for support, to date the main
recipient of funds raised by PGF is HEARTT 2000. A
charitable organization treating Thai and Farang people with
HIV/AIDS here in Pattaya. At
the moment around 30 patients per day are being seen by Dr
Philippe Seur at the HEARTT 2000 base in Pattaya. Each of
those patients requires different combinations of drugs to
help them maintain their health." The
upcoming Pattaya Gay Festival events for August 2007 are-
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CHARITY CONCERT AT BONDI JOMTIEN JULY 31ST A Charity Concert with Miss Jason & Miss Sparkle
on their first ever visit to Thailand, will be performing at Bondi
Jomtien, and will be supported by the resident duo of Willie &
Amie and the Bondi Boys dancing. |
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The Thais4Life Bookshop has now been established in Pattaya for nearly four years. Profits from the trading of the bookshop are applied to the Thais4Life General Charity Fund. Almost since it's inception, the bookshop has doubled as a focal community point, where casual visitors, and regular customers meet. There is a social gathering on the first Wednesday of each month at the Thais4Life Bookshop at 5.00 pm for approximately one hour, where coffee, tea, and soft drinks are served, and attendees chat at leisure, on all things and subjects mostly relating to life in Thailand. The next social get together will be this very wednesday, 1st August, so if you are free for an hour or so late afternoon, before the evening festivities, why not call in to the Thais4Life Bookshop at 5.00 pm for a social chat. You are very welcome. ____________________ At Thais4Life, we are frequently asked what "new" books have we received into stock recently. Although there is a bookshelf set aside
for the very latest receipts, sometimes this changes in a
couple of days You can check this out by going to: www.thais4life.com
and selecting the "Books received into stock
recently" option
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PATTAYA REPORTS
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Over 320 people packed Boyz Town, Pattayaland Soi 3, last Thursday for the PGF street party to benefit PGF charities. At 8pm the street started to fill up slowly and guests were invited to the spin the Wheel of Fortune with the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes donated by local businesses. At 9pm Toi, from the Piano Bar at the Cafe Royale, entertained the increasing numbers.
By 9.30pm the numbers had swelled to over 300 and the shows began. Performers from Boyz Boyz Boyz and Throb/Splash entertained everyone with routines from the musicals.
Jim from the Ambiance and Glen from Throb performed the duet "I am 16 going on 17 . . ." from the Sound of Music and the ubiquitous Dolly Sisters were there to give their own unique performance.
Miss Jason from Brighton, El Duo (DK & RIchard) from the Philippines and Jordan Rivers from the Rich Bitch Club, Benidorm enthralled everyone with their live performances.
The motorcycle was won by a gentleman from England who in turn put the prize up for auction. After a lot of bidding it was returned to "Dame Ruby" for a fantastic 55,000 baht. Many thanks are due to Miss Jason, El Duo, Jordan Rivers, Jim and his boyz, Glen and the Throb Showboys, the Dolly Sisters all the Boyz Town members who participated and helped make this event so successful, Ray for his great choreography, Dame Ruby for her generosity and all the other donors who were so generous. Also all the people who attended and dug deep into their pockets to buy raffle tickets and spins on the Wheel of Fortune, without whom the night would not have been such a success. The party raised 255,000 baht for the PGF charities & a great time was had by all. Report and photos: Printer Graham More photos: www.pattayagayfestival.com |
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BANGKOK REPORTS
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Milano, is a new Italian Pizza and Pasta Restaurant that has just opened on Silom Soi 4.
A wide selection of home made pizzas; salads and pasta are available together with a comprehensive wines and drinks list; all served in a modern, stylish setting. The tariff for the outstandingly tasty pizzas starts at just 150 Baht, up to a top price of just 280 Baht for the largest one with the most toppings. Drinks prices are generally below the average cost for Soi 4 with Singha & Heineken beers costing just 75 Baht.
Located
next to Telephone Pub and opposite Luminous Disco Club, everyone in Soi
4 welcomes them and wishes them all the very best for the future. |
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Nancy Yuen is Madame Butterfly
Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Center,
Ratchadaphisek Rd., Huay Kwang, Bangkok |
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BANGKOK RANDOM
Part documentary, part journal, 'Bangkok Random' spans the last 4 years, when Ming was living in Thailand. This sequence extends his recent exploration with colour and forms — a stark continuation from his earlier work 'Babylon Luxuri' (2004), a series on Beijing.
In 2006 Ming presented 'A River in Three
Parts' at Numthong Gallery (Bangkok), a photo based
installation, reflecting his long term study on the damming of the
Yangtze River in China.
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. Images © Kathmandu Photo Gallery. Source Tourism Authority of Thailand http://www.tatnews.org |
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From November 8, 2007 Tickets are on public sale
on website: |
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PHUKET REPORTS
Welcome to Phuket Pride
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Press Release June 21 2007 ------------------------------------------------ |
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More information on the website: http://www.phuketpride.org/ |
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
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DCO Pattaya moves to new location For many years, DCO (Direct Computer Outlet) was located in Pattaya Klang between Carrefour and Foodland. Quality computer hardware, and excellent service and advice, was cheerfully and humourously dispensed by wheelchair-bound Khun Nalong Sriprosma. DCO have recently moved, due to escalating rentals, and is now located a short drive along Sukumvit, towards Nong Nooch. If you are driving along Sukumvit, pass Tesco Lotus on the right, continue on, through the first intersecation with traffic lights, and on to the nex intersection with lights, which is Soi Chalyapruek. Turn left down Soi Chalyapruek, and DCO is located in a single shop front about 300 metres along, on the left. There is ample parking in front of the premises. If necessary you can phone Khun Nalong on 0868359925, for directions. DCO handles computer sales and service, accessories, computer upgrades. |
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Mancunians come
from Manchester
The settlement name originates from the Old Norse ţveit, meaning 'small parcel of land'. The name Twatt is similar to the common English expletive "Twat," (an insulting word used by someone to express contempt or derision for another individual, although it can also colloquially refer to a vagina). For this reason, Twatt remains a source of amusement to people from outside of the village. Source: wikipedia.org |
THAT'S ALL FOR THIS WEEK
Please keep your information and comments coming
Thanks
The co-editors are
Boxer-Brian, Printer Graham and Bandicoot (Wally)
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The PG Report was handed over from Allen of Pattayagay.com when he could no longer cope with production. It is independently produced by volunteers, as always, without pay or any goods or services in lieu. The housing and maintenance of the server for the Weekly Report is also provided gratis by the volunteers. It is for those who wish to learn of events in Pattaya and Thailand which may be of interest to like minded people. Articles and contributions to the report are welcome from any source without liability subject to editorial approval. The editors reserve the right to amend/edit all contributions. The editors of PGReport.com cannot be held responsible for the quality and accuracy of all information supplied to us. Readers should always check with proprietors of businesses etc as to accuracy of information. |
31.07.2007 BACK TO TOP
The Swing Ceremony, held in mid-August and
September, is the best known of all Akha celebrations. The annual
ritual is performed when the rice and corn have matured and are
almost ready for harvest, approximately two months before the
harvest season. In essence, this is a sacred thanksgiving ritual and
a form of ancestor worship performed as an expression of respect and
gratitude to ancestors. Merry-making, feasting, singing and dancing
continue throughout the four days and nights of the festival.
Continuity, particularly the relationship with
their ancestors, is of great importance in Akha culture. Each
individual Akha is seen to be a link between ancestors and
offspring. The Akha do their best to ‘care’ for their ancestors in
the hope that when their time comes, their descendants will do the
same for them.
Pattaya
Gay Festival August/September Diary
During
the evening lucky draw tickets were on sale with fantastic prizes on
offer. The top prizes being: DVD players and a TV (donated by
Ambiance), two half-baht gold chains (donated by Gordon May) and a
Honda motorcycle (donated by "Dame Ruby").
She
has played the role all over the world, from the English National
Opera to the Los Angeles Opera. Recently, her portrait as Madama
Butterfly was displayed on underground stations all over London.
Popular Hong-Kong born British soprano Nancy Yuen finally performs
her signature role in Bangkok.
Photographer/Artist,
Jerome Ming, presents a compendium of visual notes that encapsulate
his version of Bangkok in flux, a myriad of complex spaces, and the
people and objects contained within.
After
graduating from the London College of Printing in 1993, Jerome Ming
(French/British) has had both feet planted in Asia, a time when his
use of photography within artistic frameworks was at it's beginning.
Ming now lives in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Kathmandu
Photo Gallery, 87 Pan road (near Indian Temple), Silom, Bangkok
10500 
Andrew
Lloyd Webber’s
CATS
Twatt
is a settlement in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It is located
on the Shetland Mainland on a minor road that leads from the A971 to
Clousta.