Tucked inside a narrow street at the north end of Pattaya is a ramshackle building whose tin roof and corrugated walls couldn’t be more different from the architectural precision of the gleaming white condos that tower over it.
But that unlovely exterior gives no clue to the magnificent workmanship going on inside. For under its aged beams a team of master craftsmen produce an array of glass artworks and sculptures of such breathtaking beauty and creativity, they are in demand across the globe.
Their spectacular handiwork adorns scores of famous five-star hotels, major buildings, golf clubs, restaurants and corporate offices in no less than 18 countries. Exquisitely fashioned, they come in many different designs, from huge glass archways, elaborate counter fronts and glass columns to multi-hued wall murals, massive glass table pedestals and the company’s so-called ‘curvsture’ signature sculptures infused with gorgeous colours.
The creative genius behind this amazing enterprise is Stephen Gormley, a 70-year-old New Yorker who founded his company ‘Gormley Glass’ in Pattaya almost 40 years ago and whose passion for this work remains undimmed.
Stephen arrived here with lots of experience having produced custom glasswork in the US and later in Taiwan, realized that this type of business did not exist in Thailand, liked the vibe of Pattaya and set up a workshop in the then quiet district of Wong Amat.
It wasn’t long before Gormley Glass began winning contracts here and overseas, and earning the company a glowing reputation for the quality and artistry of its work.

After two years enduring the Covid pandemic, the Club was finally able to return to a new, if modified normality we hope may continue.  This was our fourth visit to Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie at Sofitel Sukhumvit Hotel, and it was more than just a long-awaited treat.  Executive Chef Nicolas Basset, Master of Beer and Ceremony Peter Laird, and their entire team provided us a wonderful experience from start to finish.
Several members arrived early, availing themselves of the opportunity to try some of the Belgian beers on offer before the proceedings began with canapés around the bar.  Delicious morsels of Beef Tartar on toast and Tuna with Lemongrass on Endive (Bangkok meets Brussels) were served with an Austrian Grüner Veltliner from Fritz Wieninger (2018) as aperitif.  Wine Spokesman Robert Lea, admittedly not a big fan of white wines, still found this a suitable, if not awe-inspiring, complement to the food.
Robert was more pleased with our second white wine, a Cantina Terlan Gewurztaminer (2018) from the Südtirol, Alto Adige Region of Northeastern Italy.  He appreciated the slightly spicy richness of this wine, which was paired with Poached Asparagus with Truffle Vinaigrette, Marscapone Cream and Pickled Mushrooms.  Our Food Spokesman (and Club Wine Master) Thomas Boedinger said this crisp and fresh starter was, for him, the best dish of the day.
We next enjoyed a Salmon Mi-Cuit with Tarragon Crust on Braised Lentils and Petits Legumes.  It was a beautifully delicate preparation – the fish was perfectly done, with just a hint of the duck fat in which it was cooked sous-vide style and served with a reduced sherry vinegar sauce.  It was accompanied by Two Paddocks Fusilier Bannockburn Pinot Noir (2017) from the South Island, New Zealand.  Robert expressed surprise that such a red, with its spicy cherry notes, would go so well with the salmon.  He also felt it was perhaps a bit “young” but some others thought it actually tasted nearer the end of its life. 

S​ome mysteries defy explanation.  For example, how is it possible, in the nearly 20-year history of our Club, we never before had a lunch at Gianni Ristorante – one of Bangkok’s most popular and iconic Italian restaurants?  Oh, individually, of course, we have all enjoyed on many occasions the fine dining and service standards proffered by Gianni Favro since he opened in 1996.  Yet it was only now, after the restaurant moved to stunning new surroundings at the Plaza Athenee in Wireless Road, that we visited as a group – a sadly belated decision, but still more than worth the wait.  
Upon our arrival, the famously hospitable service staff offered an aperitif, Kellerei St. Pauls Plötzner Weissbergunder 2019, from Südtirol DOC in the Alto Adige region of Italy.  Wine Spokesman Alex Fisken declared this Pinot Bianco to be “elegantly understated – like a lot of the people around this table”.  He also noted that it was highly rated by experts, refreshingly fruity with hints of pear, apple, and herbs.  It went very well with the fine selection of amuse-bouches we enjoyed: Rice ‘Arancino’ with Tomato Gel, Citrus-Fruit Cured Hamachi Carpaccio, Steamed Prawn with Cocktail Sauce, and Tapioca Waffles Topped with Burrata & Anchovies.
Once seated at a long table in the beautiful terrace room, surrounded by glass and mirrors, we were served an Italian classic, Vitello Tonnato – thinly sliced roast veal and tuna sauce, garnished with capers and pickled peppers.  Food Spokesman Andrew McDowell enjoyed the delicate flavors of this dish, but was most impressed with how it paired with the wine:  Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis 2016, a widely acclaimed name among Tuscan red blends.  Robert Parker gave it 93 points, noting “the Promis has always seen Merlot in a leading role...” and the 2016 (55% Merlot, 35% Syrah and 10% Sangiovese) “is a full and complete wine with nice roundness and bright freshness on the close”.  Alex especially appreciated its “fresh and spicy” character. 

Facing constant setbacks, threats, intimidation, legal battles and several arrests over the years, Edwin Wiek, founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), has never faltered in his courageous 20-year crusade to save wild animals from the abuse and machinations of his fellow human beings.
His latest and arguably bravest challenge involves the rescue of eleven tigers and two bears from Phuket Zoo, which has closed its doors due to financial reasons and requested WFFT’s help in re-homing the emaciated animals.
Thanks to sponsors and a team of volunteers, this tireless Dutchman has already safely transported one of the tigers to WFFT’s base near Hua Hin, where an extensive compound has been erected for the new arrival. It is expected that the other ten tigers and bears will follow in the next few weeks.
Since its founding in 2001, WFFT has been a major component in the campaign against all forms of animal exploitation and illegal wildlife trade, often incurring the wrath of its perpetrators. It also strives to educate and encourage the local and international communities to understand, protect wildlife and their natural habitats.
Edwin, a former fashion industry executive, is an advisor to the Thai government on animal law reform. Through his work and dedication, he has unquestionably made a difference in Thailand.

​Since the 1980s, Pattaya has labored under a largely self-inflicted reputation as a venue for sex tourism. Such infamy couldn’t be allowed to last and authorities in the beach resort have reacted by launching a series of changes to try and give the resort a more family-friendly image. It’s an enormous task given that Pattaya, with its ‘anything goes’ attitude, has grown uncontrollably during the past four decades. However, signs of physical improvement are everywhere, including beach widening and welcome landscaping on both the main Pattaya Bay and nearby Jomtien Beach. The lesser known Dongtan Beach has already undergone a major upgrade and is now unquestionably the most attractive of the three beaches.
Many of the once ubiquitous seafront beer bars have been killed off by rapidly rising land values and escalating rents, to be replaced, no doubt, by more hotels and fancy restaurants, while the jury’s out on whether Walking Street will make a comeback after its two-year pandemic shutdown. It seems that the authorities are determined to ‘clean up’ the most visible areas of Pattaya, leaving its entrenched bar culture to hide and thrive away from the beaches. Down the line, there are plans to build a mono-rail to ease the resort’s notorious traffic jams.
Will Pattaya succeed in ridding itself of that 40-year reputation for sleaze and compete with Hua Hin for family business? It’s not going to be easy, especially as so many aspects of its character are deeply embedded. But the resort is definitely changing for the better and its detractors, most of whom haven’t visited Pattaya in years, should give it another chance.

The entire nation was shocked and appalled when news broke that a beautiful young doctor had been killed in broad daylight by a speeding motorcyclist driven by an off-duty police officer while walking on a zebra crossing in Bangkok.
The tragic death of ophthalmologist Ratchanee Supawatjariyakul has predictably fueled demands for stricter safety measures on Thailand’s roads – consistently ranked among the world’s most dangerous.
Understandably, the passing of Dr Ratchanee dominated the headlines in Thailand for many days. She was popular, successful and from a prominent Thai family.
For sure, dozens of people are killed every day on the kingdom’s roads. Most of their deaths go largely unnoticed.
Those overlooked victims include a young Irishman, Niall Doran, who was fatally mowed down by a speeding taxi on Sukhumvit Road on January 16, 2022, a few days before Dr Ratchanee’s sad demise.

La Dolta Pasta
Chef-partner Francesco Deiana is reckoned to make some of the pastas in town. Luckily, Bangkok has two branches of this simple but popular restaurant.
Thonglor Branch: 161/6 Thonglor 9 Road, North Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok Tel. +66 (0) 2 392 8688, +66 (0) 86 300 1111
info@ladotta.co     
Silom Branch: 10/15 Convent Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Tel. +66 (0) 2 236 5558, +66 (0) 61 773 6526
info@ladotta.co    

Beluga
Impressive newcomer serving modern Italian cuisine a la carte and a tasting menu. Located on the first floor of a chic purpose-built venue, with parking below.
726 Soi Suan Phlu, Bangkok.
www.belugabangkok.com Tel. 097 229 4353