January 2002 73rd Issue
Rotary In Thailand
ONCE again this year the Rotary Club
of Hua Hin held their fund raiser at the Hua Hin Grand and Plaza Hotel,
which included a 7 course Chinese dinner, extravagant stages shows, dancing
and a grand draw with prizes donated by local businesses. The revenue
from the event is used to support needy and under-privileged students
at schools, community projects and other charitable purposes in this district
and the local vicinity.
The Rotary club has over the years helped to build and support an elementary
school in the remote area of Pracktakraw, supplying buildings, educational
materials, sports equipment, water tanks, and bicycles. The school has
at the moment 75 students with three teachers.
Further the club have vaccinated students at the school under a five programme
to eradicate poliomyelitis.
The Rotary Organization was founded in Chicago, U.S.A. on 23 February
1905 (B.E.2448) by Paul P. Harris, and was later brought to Thailand through
Rotarian James W. Davidson of the Rotary Club of Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
who was appointed by Rotary International as General Commissioner for
the formation of Rotary Clubs in the Orient.
Rotarian James W. Davidson had been granted an audience with His Royal
Highness Prince Purachatra in Bangkok to seek his permission to discuss
the possibility of forming a Rotary Club in Thailand. His Excellency Prince
Purachatra was impressed with the ideal of Rotary, and thus the first
Rotary Club was founded by him on 17 September 1930, namely: “Rotary
Club of Bangkok” (an English speaking club) with 69 founding members
of 15 different nationalities. The Charter Presentation Ceremony was held
at Phyathai Palace (now the Phra Mongkut Army Hospital, Rajvithee Road),
where H.R.H. Prince Purachatra was installed as Charter President.
In 1931 there were 8 Rotary Clubs in this “Golden Peninsula”
region. They were grouped together and designated as “Provisional
District B”.
In 1935 Rotary International had included all Rotary Clubs in the French
Indo-China region in the same Provisional District B whose designation
was later changed to “District 80”, whereupon H.S.H. Prince
Purachatra became the first District Governor.
In 1948 as a result of the worldwide rearrangement, “District 80”
was renumbered as “District 46”.
In 1955 on the occasion of the Silver Anniversary Celebration of the founding
Rotary Club of Bangkok, His Majesty King Bhumipol Aduldej (King Rama IX)
graciously consented to honour Rotary by becoming “Patron of Rotary
in Thailand”. It was noted that the Constitution and By-laws of Rotary
International was translated into Thai for the first time by Past President
Luang Sitsayamkarn of RC Bangkok who later became a charter member of
the second Rotary Club in Thailand, namely: Rotary Club of Dhonburi, which
is a Thai speaking club.
In 1957 the total number of Rotary Clubs became enormous, the District
numbers were re-numbered in three digits worldwide. Effective 1 July 1957
District 46 was changed to “District 330”.
In 1958 the second Rotary Club in Thailand was born with Phya Mahai-Sawan
as elected Charter President.
In 1980 as of 23 February 1980 which marked the 75th anniversary of Rotary
International, there were 48 Rotary Clubs in Thailand. At the 45th conference
of District 330 during 22-24th February 1980, it was resolved to re-district
District 330 into two districts, whereby a new District 335 comprised
of all Rotary Clubs in Thailand as of 1st July 1982 was headed by PP Rojvit
Pereira of RC Bangkok South as the first District Governor. Number of
Rotary Clubs in Thailand was increased to 69 during that year.
In 1983 the first issue of Rotary Magazine in Thai language was published
on 1st July 1983 and was approved as the official Regional Rotary Magazine
for Thailand on 1st July 1985. PP Dr. Sumin Prurgsiganont of RC. Chiangmai
North was the first Editor.
In 1985, as the number of Rotary Clubs in Thailand was fast growing, Rotary
International approved the split of District 335 into two districts: District
335 and District 336, on 4 June 1985, and became effective on 1 July 1985.
In 1992 R.I. approved Districts 335 & 336 to split into 4 districts,
namely: Districts 3330, 3340, 3350, and 3360 to be effective as from 1
July 1992 onward.
Favourite Holiday Dishes From Tantawan's Kitchen - Priaw-Wan
Pla
For this month's receipe we will feature a dish
using olive oil. The health benefits of this oil are well documented worldwide
but little known in Thailand. This will change gradually, as the "International
Olive Oil Council" have a project up at the Royal Project at Hubkraphong,
Cha Am.
Take a large fish filet or slice of fish patted in an all purpose flour
dipped in beaten egg whites and bread crumbed. Deep fry them in a quantity
of heated olive oil.
Make the unusual sweet and sour sauce by heating 3 tablespoons of extra
virgin olive oil and stir in 4 tablespoons of fish sauce, 4 table spoons
of palm sugar, 4 tablespoons of tamarind pure and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
Keep stirring gently until a thin syrup is made. Use this sauce on top
of the fried fish. Do not clean the wok and fry in the remaining ingredients
1 cup of mixed pineapple slices, tomato slices, cucumber slices and some
onion rings. It is important not to over cook these vegetables and use
them as a garnish. I recommend you top it with deep fried garlic and shallot
slivers, some deep fried peanut or almond slivers. The indispensable garnishes
are coriander leaves and red chilli juliennes.
To All Swedes/Scandinavians In Hua Hin
Scandinavian Church in Bangkok has been a part
of the Scandinavian community in Thailand since 1993. Now we would like
to perform a survey of Swedish/Scandinavian residents and holidaymakers
and so on within Hua Hin and its vicinities.
Mrs Lena Alklund , a Swedish resident of Hua Hin, and myself and our team
at the Scandinavian Church in Bangkok would appreciate very much if those
of you who are interested in a Swedish/Scandinavian gathering at Lenas
place in Hua Hin, if you would give Lena a call on tel: 032 515 90, or
call us at our Bangkok Church 02 261 5750.
You can also send an e-mail to us: bangkok@skut.com
So if we can round up a few of us, we will set up this gathering maybe
beginning of the year. For more information about our Church please visit
our homepage: www.skut.com http://www.skut.com
Hope to see many of you. A Happy New Year from Ulf Claesson, pastor of
the Scandinavian Church, Bangkok
Herbs Used In Thai Cooking
Many herbs and spices used in Thai cuisine have beneficial medicinal properties. Herewith are some examples.Chilli: “Phrik” in Thai Chilli is an erect, branched, shrub-like herb with fruits used as garnishing and flavouring in Thai dishes. There are many different species. All contain capsaicin, a biologically active ingredient beneficial to the respiratory system, blood pressure and heart. Other therapeutic uses include being a stomachic, carminative and antiflatulence agent, and digestant.
Cumin: “Yi-ra” in Thai. Cumin is a small shrubbery herb, the fruit of which contains a 2-4% volatile oil with a pungent odour, and which is used as a flavouring and condiment. Cumin’s therapeutic properties manifest as a stomachic, bitter tonic, carminative, stimulant and astringent.
Garlic: “Kra-thiam” in Thai. Garlic is an annual herbaceous plant with underground bulbs comprising several cloves. Dried mature bulbs are used as a flavouring and condiment in Thai cuisine. The bulbs contain a 0.1-0.36% garlic oil and organic sulfur compounds. Therapeutic uses are as an antimicrobial, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, antiflatulence and cholesterol lowering agents.
Ginger: “Khing” in Thai. Ginger is an erect plant with thickened, fleshy and aromatic rhizomes. Used in different forms as a food, flavoring and spice. Ginger’s rhizomes contain a 1-2% volatile oil. Ginger’s therapeutic uses are as a carminative, antinauseant and antiflatulence agent.
Galanga: “Kha” in Thai. Greater Galanga is an erect annual plant with aromatic, ginger-like rhizomes, and commonly used in Thai cooking as a flavouring. The approximately 0.04 volatile oil content has therapeutic uses as carminative, stomachic, antirheumatic and antimicrobial agents.
Hoary Basil: “Maeng-lak” in Thai. Hoary Basil is an annual herbaceous plant with slightly hairy and pale green leaves, eaten either raw or used as a flavouring, and containing approximately 0.7% volatile oil. Therapeutic benefits include the alleviation of cough symptoms, and as diaphoretic and carminative agents.
Kafffir: “Ma-krut” in Thai. The leaves, peel and juice of the Kaffir Lime are used as a flavouring in Thai cuisine. The leaves and peel contain a volatile oil. The major therapeutic benefit of the juice is as an appetiser.
(No Common English Name): Krachai inThai. This erect annual plant with aromatic rhizomes and yellow-brown roots, is used as a flavouring. The rhizomes contain approximately 0.8% volatile oil. The plant has stomachache relieving and antimicrobial properties, and therapeutic benefits as an antitussive and antiflatulence agent.
Lemon Grass: “Ta-khrai” in Thai. This erect annual plant resembles a coarse grey-green grass. Fresh leaves and grass are used as flavouring. Lemongrass contains a 0.2-0.4 volatile oil. Therapeutic properties are as a diurectic, emmanagogue, antiflatulence, antiflu and antimicrobial agent.
Lime: “Ma-nao” in Thai. Lime is used principally as a garnish for fish and meat dishes. The fruit contains Hesperidin and Naringin, scientifically proven antiinflammatory flavonoids. Lime juice is used as an appetiser, and has antitussive, antiflu, stomachic and antiscorbutic properties.
Marsh Mint: “Sa-ra-nae” in Thai The fresh leaves of this herbaceous plant are used as a flavouring and eaten raw in Thai cuisine. Volatile oil contents give the plant several therapeutic uses, including carminative, mild antiseptic, local anaesthetic, diaphoretic and digestant properties.
Pepper: “Phrik-Thai” in Thai Pepper is a branching, perennial climbing plant from whose fruiting spikes both white and black pepper are obtained. Used as a spice and condiment, pepper contains a 2-4% volatile oil. Therapeutic uses are as carminative, antipyretic, diaphoretic and diuretic agents.
Sacred Basil: “Ka-phrao” in Thai Sacred Basil is an annual herbaceous plant that resembles Sweet Basil but has narrower and often times reddish-purple leaves. The fresh leaves, which are used as a flavouring, contain approximately 0.5% volatile oil, which exhibits antimicrobial activity, specifically as a carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant and stomachic.
Shallot: “Hom, Hom-lek, Hom-daeng” in Thai Shallots, or small red onions, are annual herbaceous plants. Underground bulbs comprise garlic-like cloves. Shallot bulbs contain a volatile oil, and are used as flavouring or seasoning agents. Therapeutic properties include the alleviation of stomach discomfort, and as an antihelmintic, antidiarrhoeal, expectorant, antitussive, diuretic and antiflu agents.
Sweet Basil: “Ho-ra-pha” in Thai Sweet Basil is an annual herbaceous plant, the fresh leaves of which are either eaten raw or used as a flavouring in Thai cooking. Volatile oil content varies according to different varieties. Therapeutic properties are as carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, digestant and stomachic agents.
Turmeric: “Kha-min” in Thai Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and provides yellow colouring for Thai food. The rhizomes contain a 3-4% volatile oil with unique aromatic characteristics. Turmeric’s therapeutic properties manifest as a carminative, antiflatulence and stomachic.
Pearls Of Wisdom Pearls Of Joy
A mist of antiquity shrouds the history of pearls
in Thailand. There is no record of their use as artifacts from the Sukhothai
period, but they were used profusely in the late Ayutthaya period. The
pearl encrusted door panel at the back of the Temple of the Emeral Buddha
and the Montien Dhamma was built during the reign of King Rama I.
The doors at Phra Buddha Bata Temple at Saraburi province, and at the
Wat Phra Sri Maha That in Phitsanulok are heavily decorated with pearls
and were constructed during the reign of King Barommakote, sometime between
1732 and 1785.
Pearl decorated objects appear all over asia, and each country has its
own distinctive style and method. The Chinese for example are famous for
their pearl-embedded wooden furniture. The pearls used for this purpose
do not have the luster and shine as those used on temple doors.
Thai pearls known as "Muk Fai" usually come from the southern
provinces of Phuket, Ranong and Trang.
If you wish to know more call into "Friend" on the ground floor
of Hua Hin Shopping Mall, this shop has a beautiful selection of pearls
and silverware.
Children's Day, Teacher's Day
Thailand is well-known for her festivals which
take place all the year round. Most of these festivals are influenced
by Buddhist and Brahminical religions, however, with the passage of time
a number of them have been adopted in deference to the international practice.
Children are considered as the most valuable resources of the nation.
They are a powerful force in the development and stability of the nation.
Normally, the age of children taking part in the celebrations should be
less than 14 years old.
The National Children’s Day was held for the first time on the first
Monday of October 1955 and continued until 1963. Then it was changed to
the second Saturday of January.
In 1956 Prime Minister Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram, who was the Honorary
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Teachers’ Council at that
time, addressed a gathering of teachers from throughout the country and
suggested that as teachers were our benefactors and persons who gave light
to our life they should have a day of their own so that their students
would get an opportunity to pay respect to them. He continued,
As a result of his remarks and the welcoming opinions expressed by the
teachers through the media, which reported that a Teacher’s Day should
be held in order to remember their significance as the ones who make a
great sacrifice and do good deeds for the benefit of the nation and the
people as a whole.
Observer News Flash
Message from Paul Cahill, the man in charge of
the new Cha Am Observer.: - "Hello to everyone in Cha Am, as some
of you may be aware, from Feb 2002 Cha Am will be getting its own magazine
- The Observer Cha Am. It will still be part of the Observer Group.
I can see a good opportunity for us all in Cha Am to get the place moving
and to bring the people in. There are some wonderful places to visit,
The Crocodile and Snake Park, the temple and caves, the lovely beach,
theme bars in the Avenue and the Plaza, the excellent and well priced
restaurants, not to mention the fantastic animal rescue centre.
As I see things at the moment there is not much more room for growth in
Hua Hin, with the airport finally open, Hua Hin is full with the right
advertising at the right places. People will visit Cha Am.
There will be an initial print run of 1,000 copies, which will increase
as demand grows, which is a great deal more coverage than Cha Am currently
gets. It will give everybody the chance to advertise their own businesses
in their own town. The distribution will be much better, going in to all
the big hotels, condos, guesthouses, bars, supermarkets, and the airport.
I am looking forward to the opportunity of working with Leroy and meeting
all the business owners in Cha Am, some of you already know me from the
Monday night pool competitions at the Lodge Bar or the Beer Garden.
Let's make Cha Am into what it should be, a resort for everyone to come
to and enjoy, from young to old. Let's get Cha Am on the map and make
it one of the best resorts in Thailand.
Features January 2002 73rd Issue
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© 2001 Observer Group Co. Ltd. 11/1 Damrongrat Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan,
77110, Thailand.
Tel: (+66) 032 531078 Fax: (+66) 032 531079 Email: huahin@observergroup.net