SKAL CHIANG MAI & NORTH THAILAND, Newsletter for November 2009
Welcome again, this time to the November Skal newsletter. Oh my goodness, almost at the end of another year! I must admit November has been a bit of a haze, whilst trying to organize everything for the festive season. Just as things start to get busy everyone has friends who want to visit, as the weather is getting “cold”. Well anyway, cold in the relative sense of the word! Although cold weather was looking dicey this year; seeing as the fans were still switched on in November. Thankfully at last people get the chance to make use of their rather large padded jackets and scarves; maybe even a pair of gloves to complete the ensemble.
Our November dinner saw not a pair of gloves nor a woolly hat in sight, as the weather was just perfect for our function at the Tamarind Village. Set in the lovely courtyard and grounds of the hotel, that can probably claim to be Chiang Mai’s first and original boutique hotel. The evening then progressed to the restaurant with the swimming pool as a backdrop and even some floating lanterns strategically placed in the pool, to top off the atmosphere. Even some excellent musicians and singers to serenade the diners and a traditional evening market set up, in the way the dinner was served. We were all totally spoilt!
Our very own highly capable, organizer extraordinaire, Khun Naphat Nutsati(who also happens to be the Skal Secretary) and her staffwere responsible for putting together such a fabulous evening for our Skal November dinner. Wonderful attention to detail and yours truly even got presented with wonderful handmade floral table decorations to take home as well as a bunch of flowers. Those at home were wondering if I had rigged the raffle prize!
The hotel has an amazing centre of the city location and is just beside the Sunday market.It’s an excellent location for weekend (or weekday) dining and a good location to put the visiting friends and relations, as they can trundle off on their own to explore the city at their own leisure.
For those that wish to visit or revisit the hotel and it’s restaurant you can find more information on their website:
Our Skal group for November in the hotel courtyard at the Tamarind Village
The Incoming Skal Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand Committee for the year 2010: Mr Marc Dumur, New President , Ms Naphat Nutsati, Secretary, Ms Annette Kunigagon, Membership Development
Ms Sarah Leelaphat, PR/Communication & taking a role of Treasurer, Ms Catharina Ineke Martens, New Director, Mr Arie JM de Keijzer, New Director
Mr Toby Allen, New Director
Ms Anchalee Kalmapijit, President; Mr Mohamad Jesr, Vice President (neither Madam President nor our Vice president were able to attend our November gathering),Mr Armin Schoch, Treasurer; Mr Ken Hill, Director;Mr David Thomas, Director, are the outgoing committee members. We are sad to see you go but look forward to seeing you all at the dinner meetings. All of the outgoing committee members have sacrificed a lot of their time over the past few years for the Chiang Mai Skal Club. Their efforts and enthusiasm have made it into the thriving club that it is at present. Thank you from all of us.
The elegant poolside restaurant at the Tamarind Village, which was the setting for our November gathering
Nothing like “Girl Power”. Our Chiang Mai lady GM’s all lined up: Khun Paradee (GM Bodhi Serene Hotel), Khun Elaine (GM Shangri La Hotel), Khun Naphat (GM Tamarind Village), Khun Surat (GM Montri Hotel), Khun Suchada (GM U Hotel)
Outgoing Skal Director and also life member, and of course often our entertaining MC for the evening, Ken Hill, receiving his flowers from Khun Naphat.
Outgoing Skal Director, David Thomas, receiving his flowers from Khun Naphat. David of course was the recipient of a special Skal award in recognition for all the hard work he put into establishing Skal Chiang Mai as the major club for tourism professionals in Chiang Mai and the North of Thailand.
Elaine Yue (Shangri La Hotel), Ken Hill (Skal life member) & Toby Allen (Oasis Spa)
Mr. Har van der Veen, Mr Robert Waardenburg and Mrs Ineke Martens (Rowaco Asia Travel).
Dates for your diary:
The Skal Christmas Festive Dinner will be held at the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai on 17 December. Starting with cocktails and followed by a Christmas dinner on the river terrace accompanied by jazz music and including a special raffle for many prizes. The cost of the dinner is 1200Bt/person with free flow wine.
Please reply to your Skal email if you wish to attend. Guests are welcome as always.
Holiday Inn Chiang Mai is located on Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd, T.Wat Kate,
A. Muang, Chiang Mai Tel: 053 275 300 or visit website
Many more photos of our members and their guests enjoying the evening. See you all 17 December at the Holiday Inn for our Skal Christmas dinner!
Please remember your feedback is greatly appreciated; please feel free to send your comments to:
Please just fill out the Contact Form.
For now and on behalf of our new Skal President, Mr. Marc Dumur, and your Committee for Chiang Mai & North Thailand – Cheers, All the Best and SKAL!
Written by Sarah Leelaphat
Photos courtesy of Phinyo Sueato – Elephant Life Experience