By Shana Kongmun
Thaivisa may be unfamiliar to a very few of our readers
but anyone who goes online and searches for Thailand related information
will recognize this forum. A plethora of information and advice can be found
here and oftentimes its one of the best sources for current information
regarding visa issues that others may have had. Social networking online has
grown massively, as can be seen by the overwhelming success of Facebook, now
crossing the 500 million mark. And while Thaivisa hasn’t quite grown that
massively, it is still the largest social networking site for expats in
Thailand with nearly 110,000 members.
Local
proprieter Pedr and his lovely wife of the Olde Bell on Loi Kroh hosted the
annual party for the online social networking site.
The annual party was held here in Chiang Mai at local
favorite The Olde Bell and host Pedr did a terrific job in fitting in the
many people who showed up. Some wearing their real names, others their
online pseudonym. A good time appeared to be had by all and many noted that
it was really nice to put faces to names and meet in person someone they had
chatted with online.
Sausage
king sponsored the event as well, offering up some of their delicious food.
Thaivisa
members enjoyed meeting each other in person.
Arreerat
Jantama a social worker for the Protection Center and of the organizers
for the event wore her prettiest country frock to the event.
By Shana Kongmun
The Alliance Française hosted a charity event on Boxing
Day, December 26, to benefit the Juvenile Observation and Protection Centers
for Chiang Mai, Lamphun and the Northern Region. Proceeds from the event
will go to the Center for things like sports and musical equipment.
The evening featured many locals dressed up in “country”
costumes as well as traditional rural Lanna dress. Youth from the center
performed for the crowd and attendees were given the opportunity to dance
with the “Ramwong girls” on stage. Traditional northern food was on offer as
were traditional fair type games like the ring toss. The evening was enjoyed
by Thais and expats alike and many people enjoyed the dancing greatly!
Chief of Provincial Police Region 5 Chaiya Siri-amphankul presents a gift to French Honorary Consul Thomas Baude at the Ramwong night held at the Alliance Française.
Chiang
Mai Deputy Governor Naruemol Palwat, second left,
joins party-goers for the evening’s entertainment.
Ramwong
pretties ready to dance with the party-goers.
