Press Conference

A press conference was held today at the Bangrak room of the Dusit Thani, Bangkok. Speakers were (in order of appearance):

  • Kai Tuorila, President, Bangkok Chess Club (BCC)
  • Dr. Pichai Nimityongskul, Secretary-General of the Thailand Chess Association (TCA)
  • Chatchawal Supachayanont, General Manager, Dusit Thani, Pattaya
  • Petri Deryng, Fund Manager, PYN Fund Management
  • FM Jirapak Pitirotjirathon, Thailand Champion
  • Patcharawee Brahmawong, Treasurer, TCA

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Download the full press release here (4.2 Mb) – for pictures please contact us via the contact form or email.

Photos: Bruce Bell

Getting to Pattaya

We have had a number of questions about getting to Pattaya.

If you would like to share a taxi, leave a comment (you have to be registered) saying what time your flight arrives.

From the Airport

  • The most stylish way is to book the Dusit Thani airport transfer for 3,000 Baht (or 3,500 for a group up to 9)
  • Airport limousines range from 2,600 to over 5,000 Baht
  • The cheapest way is by bus – see below
  • You can take a metered taxi from outside the airport (ignore the touts inside) about 1,300 Baht including motorway tolls

Airport-Pattaya Bus Service

From Suvarnabhumi airport, they have 10 coaches departing each day, from 7:00 to 22:00, priced at 124 Baht (approx. US$4)

There are 2 counters to buy tickets:

  • Airport Bus Terminal
  • Arrival Terminal (Level 1) between Gate # 7 and Gate # 8

From Pattaya, they have 9 coaches departing each day, from 7:00 to 21:00. Their office is located on Thapphraya Road opposite Pan Pan restaurant where passengers can buy tickets and board the coach.

More information at their website.

Transport Company Bus (Tel. 02-1344099)

After arrivals take the Express Shuttle Bus (Free-of-Charge) to the Transportation Center which is within the airport area. Take the air-conditioned bus No. 389 to Pattaya (Jomtien Beach), or bus No. 905 to Pattaya North. (127 kms or 79 miles). The departure times from Suvarnabhumi Transportation Center are : 06.30, 08.00, 09.00, 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00, and 19.00 hrs.

Travelling time is about one and a half hours. Bus fare : 106 Baht per person. (US.$ 3).

From the Bus Station in Pattaya, take one of the Pick-ups (Songtow) straight down to the roundabout which is where the Dusit Thani is.

Bell Travel Service Coach

After arrivals and getting through passport control and customs go all the way down to the lowest floor of the terminal building (Level 1). Find Bell Travel Service sign and staff sitting on public benches near glass door No.7 . They will direct you to where the coach is waiting which is just outside of door No.7.

Suvarnabhumi Airport – Pattaya bus schedule : 08.00 / 10.00 / 12.00 / 14.00 / 16.00 / 18.00 hrs. Estimated travel time is 2 hours.

Bus fare: 200 Baht per person paid to Bell’s staff upon boarding the coach. This price includes a drop-off service to your hotel (available only within Bell’s service area).

For information call 038-370055
 web site: www.belltravelservice.com

Boonsueb wins Chess4Thai Main Event

FM Boonsueb was held to a draw by BCC regular Ron Hoffman in the final round, but won the open tournament with a superior tiebreak. Ron claimed second place, and Gainsfield Chess Academy director, Henry Calacday swept into third place with a revenge match over your writer.

In the other age groups winners were as follows:

  • U10: Pinatpong Piepacharakan
  • U12: Apichat Lertwiram
  • U14: Theemathas Chiranathavat
  • U18: Kanan Rugsit

Chess4Thai Annual Club Championship 2011

Chess4Thai Annual Club Championship
Click to get a larger image

Date: Saturday 13th, 2011; 07:00-16:00
Venue: Rachavipha Room, 2nd Floor, Chaophya Park Hotel, 247 Rachadapisek Road, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10400
(5 minutes from MRT Rachadapisek station)

After preparation and practice in several prior Grand Prix events, all players are now challenged to prove their skills. Chess players of all levels, ages and affiliations are invited to participate in this Chess4thai’s Main Annual Event to ensure high standard, number of participants and quality of games.

Preliminary Details (subject to changes as necessary)
This competition is divided into age categories: Under 10 / Under 12 / Under 14 / Under 18 / Over 18. Age calculation is as of 13.03.2011

Proof of Age: Copy of an official document showing the date of birth, e.g. student’s report book, passport, student ID card, FIDE application, health insurance card, etc. (please do not submit actual documents; Xerox copies will suffice)

Schedule:
07.00 – 07.45 Registration (Late registration will result in a 1st Round forfeit)
08.00 – 09.00 Round 1
09.00 – 10.15 Round 2
10.15 – 11.30 Round 3
11.30 – 12.30 Lunch (buffet; free for players)
12.30 – 13.45 Round 4
13.45 – 15.00 Round 5
15.00 – 16.15 Round 6
16.30 − 17:00 Closing ceremony

Entry fees: (walk-in) THB700 (child/adult)
(online OR advance) THB500/THB600 (child/adult)

Application: Application opens 06.02.2011 / in the Gainsfield School Tournament. Apply with EEE, Jirapak, Srapong (081-4844586), Panisa; and via e-mail.

Notes:

  • Online or advance registration is to be considered completed only after all relevant documents have been received.
  • Due to the high rental rates of hotel facility, slightly high entry fees are unavoidable. We ask for your understanding on this matter.
  • Hot drinks & refreshments will be served during Round 4-6
  • In case of a late-start in the Adult category, competition time in Round 6 may be reduced to 25/10 Bronstein.
  • Due to the need to conclude the event on time, we request your cooperation to be punctual. Adherence to planned schedule will be enforced strictly.

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Thailand Open schedule change

In order to smooth the procedures on the opening day, we have adjusted the schedule so that there is only one game. On the second and third days there will be two rounds and on the remaining 4 days only one round per day. Please adjust your strategy appropriately…

The total length of the tournament remains the same – 7 days.