There’s nothing quite like the buzz and excitement of an auction, especially when two or more people are bidding against each other for the same item. This spans from watches, to cuckoo clocks, cabinets, motorbikes, cars and even property.

Every Saturday at Collingbourne Auctions in Pattaya, the above items and more come under the hammer and now the man behind this popular auction house: John Collingbourne has teamed up with multi media specialist Paul Strachan to create the city’s first multi developer property auction.

Pattaya Property Auctions fills a much needed niches in the city, a city where there are over 30,000 units to choose from if you have a couple of million baht to spend.

What makes Pattaya Property Auctions different is that they are only looking to feature properties that are completed or are in the final stages of completion. This gives potential buyers a great deal of confidence as they can view property prior to making a commitment.

The first auction is on the Sunday the 16th of June at the Holiday Inn and buyers are guaranteed not just genuine bargains but also have a choice of town houses, land and condos from private individuals and from four of the major developers in town, namely The Nova Group, Matrix, Powerhouse Development and Global Top Group.

Go to www.pattayapropertyauctions.com for more information and to arrange a viewing.

To register, click the  link below & a registration pop-up will appear. Once you are registered you can view all our listings in detail including photographs, developer information, property specifications and development videos.

Note: Unit numbers are locked until 25th May.

Local venture foodpanda launches new partnership with Scoozi the home of the Original Italian Pizza.

Foodpanda co.th MD Mark Cleaver with Scoozi Pizza Director Darunee Ua-Ananchai

We have secured yet another corporate partnership with everybody’s favorite Italian Pizza Scoozi, already well known across the globe we look forward to bringing our online expertise to continue to grow their food delivery business in Bangkok.

Scoozi Italian Restaurant Director Darunee Ua-Ananchai says “Scoozi is very pleased to do business with foodpanda the best online food delivery website in Thailand. Having our business opportunities in the food sector growing fast foodpanda’s well constructed website and professional team has already attracted customer interest in Scoozi a well respected Italian restaurant. I am very satisfied to work with foodpanda Thailand.“

Scoozi was established in 2000 to provide high quality authentic Italian food, soon after launching they decided to add a more comprehensive variety of food items to the menu including not only their signature authentic wood-fired Napoletana pizzas but a plethora of gourmet Italian foods including Pastas, Antipastas, Salads, Ice-Creams, Cakes & Wines, all products are of the highest quality using only authentic Italian ingredients at reasonable prices.

The word “Scusi” means “Sorry” in Italian and they modified it into “Scoozi” as the well know brand name we know today, the original Scoozi restaurant can be found in a century old building on the Surawong Road, Silom, Bangkok. At the moment Scoozi Pizza has 24 wine and dine restaurants dotted across the city and they plan to expand more in the future.

Scoozi differentiates itself as a Gourmet Pizza restaurant; its food recipes were created in 1970 and received special recognition from the VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana Association) in 2009 becoming its first member in Thailand. This certifies, Scoozi home of the original pizza made from Napoli, Italy, favorites include the Parma Ham Pizza, Salmon Carbonara and the delicious Tiramisu.

We bought the best food delivery platform to Asia, in March 2012 foodpanda.co.th introduced a convenient food ordering service for their customers in Bangkok, closely followed by Pattaya City & recently Chiang Mai providing a greater variety of culinary choices online.

Apart from the awesome Scoozi Restaurants across Bangkok hungry customers can now order at www.foodpanda.co.th and via iOS and Android apps from over 240+ restaurants at prices to suit all budgets, every month we offer discounts to attract the hungry hordes with names like Subway, Baan Ying, Coffee Club, CoCo Ichibanya, Tony Roma’s, Beirut, Hong Kong Noodle, Sunrise Tacos, Piri Piri, Somtumder headlining our top ten list. Other vendors in the top 20 are Angel City Diner, Konaya, Kampai Japanese and Le Lapin.

Look us up at:

Website: www.foodpanda.co.th

Facebook: facebook.com/FoodPanda.co.th

Bangkok Exhibition Opening | 7pm, Friday May 17, 2013 

Photojournalist Fabio Polenghi was killed in Bangkok on May 19th 2010 as the Thai army made its final assault on “Red Shirt” anti-government protesters.

Born in Italy in 1962, Fabio very early on chose the world as his home and photography as a means to tell the kaleidoscope of realities he saw: from fashion to reportage in forgotten places.

This exhibition is a way to remember Fabio’s last journey through his pictures, which express better than any words, his love for humanity and justice. It is compiled from some of the best images found in his computer and is accompanied by brief notes taken from his diaries — documenting one of the most bloody and dramatic periods in Thailand’s recent history in which he was both a witness and a victim.

The viewer sees the events of the time through the lens of the photographer, with his energy, compassion and great professionalism, even in very difficult circumstances.

The objective of this exhibition is the hope that tragedies like Fabio’s death never happen again.

We would like to take this occasion to remind you that on May 29, after 3 years of investigations, the Criminal Court at Charoenkrong will deliver its verdict on the circumstances of Fabio’s death. Various evidence and witnesses suggest the army is likely to have shot him — although the military has always denied
the accusation.

We cordially invite you to attend and to take the opportunity to talk with Elisabetta Polenghi, Arianna Polenghi and other guests about the upcoming ruling.

Info: isapofoto@gmail.com

If as a Foreigner Investor you wish to purchase property in Thailand, you would most likely have come across several obstacles and difficulties when wanting to raise finance for a purchase.  This may have been due to a lack of understanding for Thai language or quite simply, you did not know where to look.

Rules and regulations set out in Thailand limit the amount of options available to foreigners and according to the Bank of Thailand, Thai Banks may not lend to foreign residents but for a few exceptions which in general, these exceptions rule out the large part of buyers.

Freehold Condominiums are the most popular way for a Foreigner to purchase their dream home or investment in Thailand and this avenue comes with Government approval under the Condominium Act.  This Act stipulates that up to 49% of a Condominium building area is allowable for foreign resident ownership. In essence, the building is therefore in theory 51% owned by Thailand.

At MBK Guarantee Ltd (Part of the MBK Group PLC, Bangkok), we are pioneering the way forward to allow Foreigner Friendly Finance options to the investors of Thailand Real Estate.  Our Group has more than 30 years of experience in Thailand’s tourism industry and therefore is perfectly adapted and positioned to deal with Foreigner requirements. Whether looking to play Golf on one of our courses at Loch Palm Phuket, stay in our hotel “Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort” for a weekend away, sample some rice within our Mahboonkrong brand or quite simply shop til you drop at one of our many shopping centers, our clients are in safe hands.

Successfully concluding THB Loans for several years, our loan contracts/applications are written in both Thai and English with extensive support throughout Thailand. Whether purchasing on the sundrenched island of Phuket, a luxurious top end Penthouse Condo in Bangkok or Investment Opportunity in Pattaya on the Eastern Seaboard, we have all the solutions available for multiple locations.

Possibly a first for Thailand, we allow THB financing for up to 60% of the Purchase price or Valuation (whichever is the lower) and over a maximum tenor of 10 Years. Condominium Interest rates are at Thanachart Bank’s MLR + 2% with a competitive lender arrangement fee of 1.25%. The most noticeable difference is that, since we are not a commercial bank we are not restricted by the Bank of Thailand loan limit of THB 5,000,000 to foreigners and therefore, there is no cap unto the amount of finance we can lend.

Our client base ranges significantly from an overseas resident, to local investors (both Foreigner and Thai) with an extensive property portfolio around Thailand. An investor client will sometimes come to us with a list of Condominium title deeds and ask what finance can be achieved against these units as they were all paid with by cash unknowing to the fact, finance could be made available. MBK Guarantee Ltd has over 100 Condominium buildings already pre-approved where we can effectively tell the client that cash back for “x” amount within a matter of weeks could be achieved.  As an investor, this makes for the perfect opportunity to raise cash quick in order to snap up the latest Condo development or Investment opportunity which “could not be missed”.

Land Bank finance is often sought after from our Thai national clients and sometimes involves a local Thai company in order to own the asset. Additional documentation would be required in order to Mortgage which would include full company registration documents & list of shareholders.

Other thought processes to consider here in Thailand could be with regard family protection in the form of life cover. It is often standard that as a family, there will be usually one “bread winner” and if there were to be unforeseen circumstances resulting in death for one of the parties or even total permanent disability, how could the loan installments be met? Working closely with Thanachart/ Prudential Life Insurance, we are pleased to provide a comprehensive service to allow our Foreigner clients the option to take out life protection to cover the balance of our loan. The financial burdens of debt can then be in some ways a small reprisal for such unforeseen circumstances.

Case Study

Client background – Henry is aged 45, lives and works in Hong Kong with his Thai Spouse also aged 45 and often comes to Thailand on a monthly basis for extended weekend breaks along with their 2 children, Annie and Somchai. Living in Thailand prior, to work in Hong Kong, Henry had purchased 2 Thai properties; a house with his Wife on Phuket and a Foreign Freehold Condo in Bangkok. The house and condo are around 10 years old and both could do with some renovation work so Henry decides to release up to 50% of the cash back in order to spend on his home and even include holding a little more little liquid cash just to splash out when next on holiday here.

Luckily, the freehold condo is on our pre-approved list and therefore we can instantly confirm up to a pre-approved THB 50,000 Sq.m. and with the unit’s title deed size reported as 205 Sq.m. we can indicate the loan could be up to THB 10,250,000 repayable over 10 years. As it would be an important factor to have the loan fully repaid in the event of death luckily we can include the life insurance within the premium and all for a slightly higher installment indicative at THB 139,000 per month.

Note: When mortgaging a property in Thailand a further 1.00% & 0.05% is required for Government Land Registration and Stamp duty

For further information and enquiry, please feel free to contact stuart@mbk-center.co.th or +66 (0) 2 620 7877 and we shall welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have in either Thai or English.

www.mbk-center.co.th

Today’s advanced generation of joint replacement surgery is helping millions of patients return to active, pain-free living.

Dr. Siripong Ratanachai, Director of Bumrungrad’s Joint Replacement Center

Thailand’s population is aging as lifespans grow longer. But greater longevity doesn’t necessarily mean that seniors are enjoying a better quality of life. Declining bone and joint health remains a significant threat to senior mobility and a good life quality.

The good news is, advances in joint replacement surgery are helping a growing number of patients with joint problems return to active living free from debilitating pain. To learn more about the procedure, Better Health turned to two of Thailand’s leading joint replacement surgeons – Dr. Siripong Ratanachai, Director of Bumrungrad’s Joint Replacement Center, and Dr. Keerati Charoencholvanich, an orthopaedic surgeon at the center.

Is joint replacement surgery common in Thailand?

Dr. Keerati:  While the government doesn’t compile national statistics on the procedure, at Bumrungrad alone hundreds of patients have joint replacement surgery every year. Urban and rural people tend to present different joint problems requiring different treatments. People from rural areas have a higher incidence of hip replacement, while those from urban areas have more knee replacements.

What are the main factors that necessitate a joint be replacement?

Dr. Siripong:  Osteoarthritis is one of the leading factors among urban patients. It’s a degenerative joint disorder caused by wear and

Dr. Keerati Charoencholvanich, an orthopaedic surgeon at the center

tear and the long-term impact on weight-bearing joints from being overweight or obese. Patients from rural areas typically come with problems affecting their joint ligaments, bursae or tendons, and many also have a co-existing condition such as diabetes, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or SLE, to name a few.

What’s the connection between these diseases and damage to joints?

Dr. Keerati:  Diabetes and other chronic diseases can reduce blood flow to the hips and other joints. This can be made worse by unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption or the use of herbal remedies containing steroids – something that’s becoming more prevalent in many countries.

Adding to Dr. Siripong’s point on lifestyle habits, sitting on the floor and using squatting-style toilets are more common among rural Thais. These habits tend to place greater stress on knees by a factor of three to five times.

How do doctors determine whether a joint should be replaced? 

Dr. Siripong:  Deciding on joint replacement surgery is a collaborative process that should include the doc-tor, the patient and the patient’s family. The patient may be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for a thorough evaluation and assessment. If treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, and/or physical therapy don’t achieve sufficient improvement, and the patient’s daily activities are impacted by pain and reduced mobility, then the patient is probably a good candidate for joint replacement.

The idea of surgery worries some people. What should they know about joint replacement surgery?

Dr. Keerati:  Today’s generation of joint replacement surgeries is much improved over earlier types of major invasive procedures that required significant tissue loss and longer recovery periods. Advances in surgical techniques have greatly reduced the risks associated with joint replacement surgery, and Thailand offers the latest technologies and surgical techniques.

Doctors consider total joint replacement only after non-surgical treatments don’t achieve the desired results. These methods include exercise, walking aids, medication, and other treatments.

When the damage to a knee is less extensive, for example, doctors may consider replacing just the damaged parts of the joint, a procedure known as partial joint replacement. This typically involves replacing the inner or outer knee surfaces, depending on the specific nature of the damage.

In cases of severe joint damage, such as when a joint deformity limits joint movement and causes severe pain even while the patient is resting, total joint replacement may be necessary.

Younger patients in their 40s or 50s who show early signs of joint damage may prompt doctors to consider surgical re-alignment of the affected joint as well as partial joint replacement. The complete replacement of the joint would be considered as a last resort.

Under what circumstances would joint replacement surgery not be recommended despite severe joint damage?

Dr. Siripong:  The doctor’s assessment of the patient’s candidacy for joint replacement surgery boils down to whether the patient would likely benefit fully from the procedure while being unlikely to suffer complications. Doctors are unlikely to recommend joint replacement for patients who have muscle weakness or paralysis, and those lacking sufficient muscle control due to traumatic injury, serious infection or a neurodegenerative disease such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis – even though their joints show significant wear and tear.

The second group includes patients who remain pain-free despite significant joint damage and continue to enjoy a good quality of life.

How long do artificial joints typically last?

Dr. Siripong:  On average, an artificial joint has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. This is one reason why joint replacement is most often recommended for people over 60.
Artificial joint lifespans can vary due to one or more factors: the surgeon’s ability to accurately align the new joint device, extensive wear and tear among more active patients after surgery, and the quality of the chosen artificial joint. Dealing with the three factors in an optimal way translates to a 95 percent chance of the artificial joint lasting beyond 10 years, and an 80 percent chance of lasting more than 20 years.

Since the procedure involves many advanced technologies, has the doctor’s role become less important?

Dr. Siripong:  The doctor still has the leading role in the procedure, while the various technologies take on supporting roles. Surgery isn’t a starting point for treating damaged joints; doctors specializing in orthopaedics begin helping patients well before any surgical procedures might be recommended. Doctors must determine the right time for replacement surgery after concluding the procedure will not endanger the patient’s health nor greatly increase the patient’s risk level.

Dr. Keerati:  A successful surgery is one that offers a high degree of safety and produces the desired result. Doctors must first make a proper determination that the patient is a good candidate and meets the health guidelines specific to the procedure.

That’s followed by the doctor’s surgical capabilities, especially his or her ability to correctly align the joint while keeping damage to surrounding tissue minimal. The doctor’s experience and expertise are also tested when choosing the specific artificial device to ensure it delivers the optimal fit.

Why do some patients need to undergo a second joint replacement surgery?

Dr. Keerati:  We often say “the first is always the best.” A second surgery is sometimes necessary, but when it’s done right the first time, there’s less of a chance you’ll need a second surgery.

Dr. Siripong:  Nowadays about 20 percent of the patients who had the earlier generation joint replacement surgery return for a second surgery. Sometimes this is due to the device reaching the natural end of its lifespan, while other patients’ replacement joints have worn out early due to the previous surgery being less accurate, causing the artificial joint to wear out faster.

Dr. Keerati:  One thing that’s important to mention: Many patients enjoy good results from the surgery, and return to their normal lives, but never come back for follow-up visits with their doctor. Seven or eight years later, they return needing a second surgery. It’s very important after the surgery to see your doctor regularly – at least once a year. One reason is that specific parts of the artificial joint may wear out sooner but can be repaired easily with minimal effort, and without requiring replacement of the entire artificial joint.

What should a patient do to prepare for joint replacement surgery?

Dr. Keerati:  Patients need to prepare both body and mind. ‘Body’ basically means one’s physical health. Patients should continue with periodic health check-ups and make sure any chronic diseases are being properly managed and remain under control.
Mental health and well-being is also important. People tend to be afraid of the unknown. The best way to counter that is to learn about the planned procedure through research and by asking your doctor about your specific condition and the various treatment options. Once you understand your situation, things are no longer unfamiliar, and you’ll have less anxiety.

Dr. Siripong:  It’s our duty to inform patients and their families about the patient’s current situation, explain what we’re hoping to accomplish and how we will accomplish the goal, and why we’re making a specific recommendation. This helps create mutual understanding, boosts confidence and fosters cooperation between doctor and patient.

Many advanced joint replacement procedures now employ robotic arm technology that delivers even higher levels of precision and accuracy in the alignment and placement of artificial implants. “This is very exciting technology,” says Dr. Siripong. “It allows orthopaedic surgeons to achieve more precise and more accurate joint placement and alignment, which results in even better surgical outcomes.”

Robotic arm systems provide surgeons with pre-surgical plans outlining bone preparation techniques and custom-tailored positioning of implants using a CT scan of the diseased joint. “During the procedure, the system creates a three-dimensional live-action virtual

view of the bone surfaces while correlating the image to the surgical plan,” says Dr. Siripong. “Then, using a small incision, the surgeon

Dr. Siripong Ratanachai (left), observes a bilateral hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Lawrence Dorr, a professor of orthopaedics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles.

engages the robotic arm to begin preparing the damaged joint for replacement with minimal impact to surrounding healthy tissues. The technology enables more precise implant positioning and placement for each individual patient. As a result, patients typically resume walking in the first 24 hours after surgery.”

Dr. Siripong believes that, in the not-too-distant future, joint replacement surgery will evolve thanks to further technological improvements and more experience gained by orthopaedic medical professionals. “Artificial joints can’t compare with the real joints we’re born with,” he explains. “So we should take good care of our health and try to avoid activities that damage joints.

“Joint replacement surgery should be the last option to consider after other treatments are unable to restore a patient’s good quality of life,” Dr. Siripong says. “If you decide to have joint replacement surgery, take steps to help make it right the first time. Do some research, talk to your doctor, ask questions, and be sure to follow your doctor’s advice.”

Bumrungrad International Hospital is a multiple-specialty medical center located in Bangkok, Thailand. More frequently referred to as Bumrungrad Hospital or simply Bumrungrad, its name, “Bumrungrad” means “care for the people”.

Address: 33 Sukhumvit Soi 3, Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Phone: 02 667 1000

www.bumrungrad.com

MBMG Group is hosting a discussion on “Australian Tax, Investment Opportunity & Superannuation Presentation”. Well renowned Australian Taxation and Super experts, Scott Douglas – CEO of Identity Wealth and John Pegg – Principal, Precipio Advisers will provide expert analysis and discuss on the recent superannuation and tax changes as well as explain the Australian budget. In addition, Paul Gambles – Managing Partner, MBMG Group will do an economic update on the region.

Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Time: 12:00-14:00 (lunch will be provided)

Location: FCCT, Maneeya Bldg. (Chitlom BTS) MAP

The Australian government is currently under siege due to the radical and controversial sweeping changes they are planning to make to Australian taxation and superannuation.

We will be answering questions such as: how much super you will have when you retire? Are you affected by the recent changes in the budget?

Should you wish to attend, please RSVP your attendance to vince@mbmg-international.com as seats will be limited.

You should attend if you’re one of the following:

•     You own a property in Australia  – former home or investment.

•     You’re paying tax on your Australian investment assets.

•     You own shares or have an Australian superfund.

•     You plan to retire in Australia and don’t have a strategy to achieve this.

•     You need to understand how the recent changes will affect you.

8pm, Thursday May 9, 2013

Members: Free | Non-Members: 350 baht

Two years after President Thein Sein opened the doors of his country to usher in economic and political reforms, there are fears that the country formerly known as Burma is getting quickly and dangerously off track. Once suppressed views shaped by an undercurrent of hatred have recently burst to the surface. In the spotlight, as a result, is Meikhtila, an ancient garrison town in central Myanmar. A wave of anti-Muslim violence there in late March left 43 people dead — most of them Muslims — and displaced nearly 13,000 others after their homes, businesses and even a religious school were attacked. The mobs were led by radical Buddhist monks — while the country’s usually trigger-happy security forces did nothing to stop the carnage spread over three days.

Such an explosion of “Buddhist” rage was not the first in the country enjoying the new taste of freedom. Last year saw another group of Muslims, the Rohingya minority, being targeted by ethnic Arakan/Rakhine Buddhists in Western Burma. Two orgies of violence, in June and October, killed over 200 people and left some 140,000 homeless. Most of the victims were the stateless Rohingyas, whose once official identity Burma’s successive military regimes since 1962 have refused to recognize, with tacit support from the society at large. Arakan Buddhist monks were implicated in this wave of hatred, too, including efforts to even deny humanitarian assistance to the victims in makeshift shelters.

This fault line has forced the country of nearly 60 million people — of which an estimated five percent are Muslims — to face a barrage of criticism about the nature of its local version of Theravada Buddhism, followed by the majority. This chorus includes outspoken Burmese critics living in exile and even respected international Buddhist organizations known for being champions of peace and moderation, such as the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), and other spiritual leaders including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Please join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion about the toxic mix of hatred, organized violence, Theravada Buddhism in Burma and Myanmar’s still military-backed state.

The participants are:

Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa – a highly respected Thai Buddhist philosopher, public intellectual and one of the founding fathers of INEB.

Maung Zarni – an outspoken Burmese critic, blogger and visiting fellow in the Civil Society and Human Security Unity, the London School of Economics.

A speaker from inside Myanmar, whose identity will be revealed on the night of the panel.

Veronica Pedrosa – independent journalist working for Al Jazeera English, who will moderate the panel.

As Southeast Asia’s largest and oldest press club, the main goal of the FCCT and its members is to promote and protect the rights of the press in Thailand and across Asia.
The FCCT is not just for correspondents-in fact, most of our members are not news people.
A past FCCT president even came up with the slogan, “You don’t have to be foreign and you don’t have to be a correspondent”. We are a very diverse club and welcome all.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand
Penthouse, Maneeya Center
518/5 Ploenchit Road
(connected to the BTS Skytrain Chitlom station)
Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

E-mail: info@fccthai.com
Phone: 02-652-0580-1

www.fccthai.com
LOCATION MAP

Sansiri Public Company Limited proudly announces the official opening of the Top of the Gulf Regatta 2013 in Pattaya, Thailand and the 38th annual Thailand Optimist National Championships children’s regatta, kicking off Saturday, May 4 at Pattaya’s Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

More than 100 young sailors aged 7-14 from Thailand and overseas will take part in this internationally recognized sailing event. Sansiri regatta team captain, Patinyakorn “Ging” Buranrom, a rising star in the world of sailing will be instructing the children sailors in the Optimist class.

“Giving young sailors the chance to learn to sail and fall in love with the sport has always been a dream of mine. If they build confidence and teamwork skills along the way, I’ve done my job. I couldn’t be more proud of the future sailors racing here with me this weekend,” said Patinyakorn “Ging” Buranrom.

Continuing to develop youth talent and introduce Thai youngsters to the sport, the Sansiri-sponsored 2013 Thailand Optimist National Championships is now in their 38th year and is the second oldest annual sailing event in Thailand.

“We at Sansiri are happy to support sailing opportunities for Thai youth and their development in the sport,” said Khun Ob-oom Chutrakul, Social Director of Sansiri PLC, presenting sponsor of the Thailand Optimist National Championships 2013.

“Our participation at the event goes hand in hand with our ongoing promise to construct a life not just a building. We are fully committed to the lives of those in the communities where we do business, such as right here in Pattaya. As our award-winning corporate social responsibility programs demonstrate, we do much more than build properties. Our CSR campaigns focus on sustainably supporting children in three areas; health, sport, and education,” continued Khun Ob-oom.

The 2013 Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta), is set to attract over 600 sailors from more than 30 countries to Pattaya to compete in Asia’s largest regatta from 3rd to 7th May at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien, Pattaya, Thailand.

The Top of the Gulf Regatta has, over the years, proved to be a valuable training ground for up and coming sailing stars around the world, regularly attracting national, regional and world championships to compete in what has become a world-class sailing event.

Contributing to Social Change

Equally important to Sansiri’s business success is the health and well-being of the communities it does business in, like the Pattaya region. Sansiri’s award-winning “Social Change” programmes focus on children. Sansiri and long-time partner, UNICEF, create long-term programs that put children first.

Sansiri’s programme was recently awarded Best CSR Practice Across Southeast Asia in 2011 by the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) and the Basil Hetzel Award 2012 from the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD).

The UNICEF-Sansiri partnership is part of the company’s ongoing approach to improving the well-being of children in Thailand. It is the largest and most comprehensive cooperative programme between UNICEF and a business entity in Thailand. The partnership testifies to Sansiri’s belief that paving a way towards a better future for children is a like building a home.

About Sansiri

Founded in 1984, Sansiri is a property industry leader in Thailand, offering a full range of housing units, including single-detached houses, semi-detached houses, townhouses and condominiums. Sansiri has been listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) since 1996. Sansiri creates new forms of seamless, high-quality, value-added property and services of the highest standards in all market segments, while doing our part to improve overall quality of life and the environment.

The investment world is full of pitfalls. Even experienced investors and large financial institutions can make disastrous errors of judgment so what hope is there for the small investor? There is some hope if people can learn from the mistakes of others. Here are a few examples:

Failure to maintain healthy cash reserves

It is a strong temptation to spend money and live beyond one’s means, especially in our younger years. It’s great to be able to borrow to buy an expensive house and car so long as there is no problem in repaying the loans. But if disaster should strike in the form of job loss, accident or illness and there is no cash in the bank to keep up the loan payments then it is goodbye to the house and car. This is what happened on a large scale in the US during the 2008 credit crisis.

Many large banks also ran out of cash when people could not repay their loans. The rest is history and we are still seeing the fallout from those events. Banks are now being forced to maintain larger cash reserves. But people are not, so it is up to the individual to ensure there is enough cash in the bank to meet all contingencies.

Failure to understand risk

Everyone likes high investment returns but no-one wants to lose any money. It is an undeniable fact, however, that there is a direct relationship between risk and return. The higher the return, the higher the risk. If you are risk averse, then you need to stay close to cash and government bonds as the risk of losing money is slender – although no investment is totally risk-free. If you are comfortable with taking some risk then you can look at stocks, commodities and property.

Time is also a factor when assessing risk. An asset can be considered a risky investment if it is to be held for a short time but a relatively safe investment if it is planned to hold on to it for a number of years. Stocks, commodities and property all come under this heading. There is no harm in seeking high returns from more aggressive investments provided that the possibility of loss is understood and acceptable. An example would be private equity or a business venture. Huge returns are possible but so is total loss. This is not a place for your pension savings!

Underestimating the cost of retirement

For a short period in history many people in advanced countries enjoyed healthy incomes in retirement. This was thanks to reasonable state pensions and company pensions which were based on length of service and final salary. Those days have gone. A rapidly expanding retired population has put an unbearable strain on national budgets and the real value of state pensions is falling as a result. Secondly the ‘defined benefits’ of company pension schemes have all but disappeared as years of poor market performance have made nonsense of actuarial calculations and as a result many large corporations are crippled by pension funds that are no longer sustainable. In future, employees in almost all such funds will have to share investment risk and cannot expect a guaranteed level of pension.

So what mistakes are people making? Generally people are not taking the new reality into account and are not making sufficient provision for retirement. Few people have even attempted to calculate how much they will need. So how can we calculate? One rule of thumb is to work out how much monthly income you would realistically need were you to retire today. Don’t forget to include an amount for the cost of healthcare which is likely to escalate as we grow older.

If we talk in US Dollar terms let’s say the figure is $3,000. Multiply that by 240 and you have the amount you would have to accumulate to generate such an income with an assumed (but not guaranteed) 5% per annum return. The target figure in this case would be $720,000. But that is just the starting point! You will need to adjust the figure upwards each year to take account of inflation until you actually retire. Investment in cash alone is not a good option; it is important to have some inflation-proof investments.

The tip of the iceberg

We have looked at just three common mistakes in investing. Needless to say there are many more but if just these three can be avoided it can make a massive difference.

Eric Jordan is Managing Director of Professional Portfolio International (PPI) with offices in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. He can be contacted at eric.jordan@ppi-advisory.com or +662 664 0968.

Eric began is working career in the computer services industry but by his early thirties had moved in to offshore financial services as an Advisor with Finexco International based in Hong Kong. Eric subsequently became the Finexco Thailand branch manager in 1996 and then their Southeast Asian Regional Manager in 1998, still based in Thailand.

Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal In Doha Recognised at Skytrax 2013 Awards For Five Star Excellence

Qatar Airways Vice-President Commercial North, South & Western Europe Paul Johannes, collects the award for Best Premium Service Airport on behalf of the airline at the Skytrax 2013 World Airport Awards World’s held at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Geneva.

Airline-Owned Oryx Rotana Now Among The Top Three Airport Hotels In The World After Being Named Best Airport Hotel In Middle East For Second Year

Geneva, SWITZERLAND – Qatar Airways has once again been honoured with accolades at the annual Skytrax 2013 World Airport Awards by retaining awards in two key categories at a ceremony held in Geneva.

For the third consecutive year, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport (DIA) was named World’s Best Premium Service Airport, recognised for its superior Five Star service and excellent customer care.

Qatar Airways-owned Oryx Rotana has also achieved a remarkable milestone, rising to be named among the top three airport hotels in the world after winning the Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East award for the second year running.

This year’s win moved the carrier’s five-star hotel at Doha International Airport from 10th to third position in the Skytrax Airport Hotel global category.

Opened in 2006, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal became the world’s first dedicated passenger terminal exclusively

Kevork Deldelian, General Manager Oryx Rotana, proudly shows off Qatar Airways’ award for Best Airport Hotel In Middle East, the second year that the airline has received the coveted prize.

for First and Business Class travellers and firmly established the airline as an industry innovator. Its world-class facilities, including fine dining, luxurious spa amenities and business centre make the facility a haven for transiting and departing premium travellers. Since opening three years ago, the 400-room Oryx Rotana remains a favourite among business and leisure travellers arriving in Qatar.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the company was yet again honoured to be recognised by Skytrax with two leading accolades.

“These latest achievements are further testament to our excellent facilities and dedication of our staff to provide the high levels of service that customers expect,” he said.

“The experience for any passenger starts at the airport, so our Premium Terminal has proved to be a real winner among our customers being well ahead of our competitor facilities around the world.”

“And being the first hotel in Qatar Airways’ stable, the Oryx Rotana, has yet again shown a remarkable leap in global appeal, now ranked among the top three best airport hotels in the world and the best in the Middle East.”

Oryx Rotana General Manager Kevork Deldelian, who picked up the hotel award in Geneva, added: “Since we opened three years ago, the Oryx Rotana in Doha has continued to delight guests from around the world, whether they are travelling to Doha on business or leisure.”

“We always strive to go out of our way to make sure all our customers are comfortable and well looked after and that they of course enjoy the fabulous Qatar Airways Group signature Five Star service. Yet again we have shown we can compete with the best. To win the Skytrax award for the second year running is a great accomplishment and what an
achievement to be elevated with such prestigious rankings.”

Congratulating Qatar Airways on the win, Skytrax chairman Edward Plaisted said: “Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal continues to be a great success with passengers from around the world and ensures that Doha retains its status as the World’s Best Premium Service Airport.”

“This unique facility has provided passengers with unmatched levels of product and service quality and we congratulate both Qatar Airways and Doha International Airport on winning this prize for three consecutive years. In winning the region’s best airport hotel award, it also shows the Qatar Airways Group is very focused on all elements of customer service.”

Skytrax World Airport Awards recognise the very best of product and service of the world airport service industry. The survey was conducted over 10 months to February 2013 with more than 12 million nominations from 110 nationalities.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying to 126 key destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas, including Chicago, the airline’s newest point introduced on April 10.

Over the next few weeks and months, Qatar Airways will launch scheduled flights to a diverse portfolio of new routes, including Salalah, Oman (May 22); Basra, Iraq (June 3); Sulaymaniyah, Iraq (August 20) and Chengdu, China (September 3) with many more new destinations planned.

Qatar Airways currently has orders worth over US$50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 Family of aircraft. In addition to winning Skytrax’s prestigious Airline of the Year 2011 and 2012, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row. Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry. In October 2012, Qatar Airways became the first of the major Gulf carriers to officially announce plans to join a global alliance having been invited into the oneworld group. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com

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