During the time we were there it was the Jet Ski World Cup in nearby Pattaya. It was a pretty big event, lots of noise and activity - fortunately just far enough away from Jomtien to not bother us.
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| Rear of the grandstand |
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| Local advertising |
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| The course in the early evening |
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| "Life Never Stops" |
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| Jet ski racer |
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| Competitors jet skis |
Of course my favourite newspaper, Pattaya Today had an article about this event.
Jetski honours fall to Pattaya
Vol. 8 No. 7, 16 - 31 December 2008
THE first international jetski competition was held in Japan, but this year Pattaya has been chosen as the most suitable venue. Deputy mayor Weerawut Kharkai, deputy city mayor, held a press conference at Jomtien Palm Beach resort to inform the press and tourism representatives.
He explained that, all being well, princess Ubol Ratana would preside over the event December 3 to December 7 at Jomtien beach. Thirty five countries were scheduled to take part, subject to travel availability, and the winners would receive a trophy presented for the occasion by His Majesty the King.
Currently, the jetski association of Thailand has 21 world class players, ranked at number two in the world. The scheduled competition would have 19 categories and around 2,000 people would participate. The deputy mayor said that the opportunity to host the event locally would lead to many more people, Thais and foreigners alike, falling in love with the sport.
In the event, the Pattaya mayor on December 7 hosted the presentation of the prizes at Palm Beach Jomtien Hotel. The result was that Choke Utis Molee from the Flamingo team won three categories including the championship in pro-sport and sit-down jetski 800 cc. The champion of the Standup jet ski racing went to Austrian Quawin Raterine who received the King’s Cup and 15,000 US dollars prize money. Second came Thai racer Weeraphong Maneechom from Flamingo team and third Nicolas Rius.
Speaking of vehicles, the Thais seem adept at creating its own versions of transportation, many based on the ubiquitous motor scooter, with sidecars being a popular modification. The photos below show some examples.
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| Sidecar with overhead cover |
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Sidecar with overhead cover and
bench seat |
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Another version with padded bench
seat |
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| Tricycle. Note the welded wheel spokes |
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| This is starting to look professional |
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| Not sure I'd like to rent this one |
